SoftBank to Build Massive $33B Gas Power Plant in U.S.

If completed, the project would be the largest power plant in the country.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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SoftBank subsidiary SB Energy is planning to build a massive 9.2 gigawatt natural gas-fired power plant on the Ohio-Kentucky border, with a reported price tag of $33 billion. If completed, it would be the largest power plant in the U.S., capable of powering around 7.5 million homes.

Why it matters

The project would be among the largest and most expensive natural gas power plants ever built, raising concerns about the climate impact of such a massive fossil fuel facility. It also highlights the rising costs of new natural gas infrastructure as the industry struggles with supply chain issues.

The details

SB Energy is partnering with OpenAI on the "Stargate" project, though it's unclear if the new power plant would directly feed the grid or power data centers. The plant could emit around 15 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, and the overall climate impact could be even worse when accounting for methane leaks in the natural gas supply chain.

  • SoftBank subsidiary SB Energy is expected to build the power plant.
  • The project, if completed, would take years or even a decade to finish due to the shortage of natural gas turbines.

The players

SB Energy

A subsidiary of SoftBank, the Japanese investment firm, that is planning to build the massive natural gas power plant.

OpenAI

An artificial intelligence research company that is partnering with SB Energy on the "Stargate" project, though it's unclear if the new power plant would directly feed the grid or power data centers.

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The takeaway

This project highlights the continued reliance on fossil fuels for power generation, even as the world seeks to transition to cleaner energy sources. The massive scale and cost of the plant raise concerns about its long-term climate impact and the ability of ratepayers to shoulder the burden of such expensive infrastructure.