“Whoever leads in data centers will lead in AI, defense, healthcare and economic growth. In an era of great power competition, data centers are no longer commercial real estate – they are core instruments of national power.”
– Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO
To meet this surging demand, tech companies need energy to power their state-of-the art data centers which host the servers and networking equipment that store, process and analyze information. Along with AI, these data centers are also necessary to meet the digital demand that continues reaching record heights, and not just with businesses. Ever surf Netflix, online shop with Amazon, find your way with Google maps, or ask Siri to play your favorite song? All powered through data centers.
And it’s here where Northwest Ohio is uniquely positioned to meet those energy requirements for businesses and ultimately spur the evolution of a new growth sector for our region.
The Northwest Ohio region has been identified as a prime location for data centers because of its inherent assets, including power, water, land, an extensive transportation network and a vibrant workforce. That recognition for this region presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to position Northwest Ohio at the forefront of this global technological revolution.
Along with hundreds of millions of dollars in investment, direct high-tech jobs and long-term construction work these date centers bring, they also serve as economic catalysts, attracting more tech-related companies and good, high-paying jobs.
Analysts project the construction of several thousand new data centers in the U.S. over the next five years. They are going to be built somewhere. That massive new investment will bring incredible revenue to communities and outstanding job opportunities for our current workforce and our kids.