Trump Announces Massive $33B Natural Gas Plant in Ohio

The plant will be the largest in history, according to the former president.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a $33 billion natural gas power facility will be built near Portsmouth, Ohio as part of a $550 billion investment pledge by Japan. The plant, to be operated by SB Energy, a subsidiary of SoftBank, will generate 9.2 gigawatts of power and be the largest natural gas generation facility in history, according to Trump.

Why it matters

The massive natural gas plant represents a significant investment in Ohio's energy infrastructure and could boost the state's economy through job creation and affordable energy. However, the project's environmental impact and Trump's involvement have raised concerns among some.

The details

The natural gas power plant will be located near Portsmouth in southern Ohio and will be operated by SB Energy, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank. The $33 billion facility is part of a broader $550 billion investment pledge by Japan in the U.S. that also includes an oil and liquefied natural gas project in Texas and a critical minerals facility in Georgia.

  • The project was announced by former President Trump on February 17, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who announced the $33 billion natural gas plant project in Ohio.

SB Energy

A subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank that will operate the $33 billion natural gas power plant in Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“The Gas Power Plant in Ohio (A State I won THREE TIMES!) will be the largest in History.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“First, in Ohio, together with Japan we will develop the largest natural gas generation facility in history, generating 9.2 gigawatts of power. We will strengthen grid reliability, expand baseload power, and support American manufacturing with affordable energy.”

— Howard Lutnick, U.S. Commerce Secretary (Statement)

What’s next

The project still requires regulatory approvals and further planning before construction can begin.

The takeaway

This massive natural gas plant investment represents a significant commitment by Japan to the U.S. energy sector, particularly in Ohio, a key political battleground state. However, the project's environmental impact and Trump's involvement have raised concerns that will need to be addressed.