IRONTON, Ohio (WCHS) — A Texas-based company, Strata Expanse of Houston, has announced plans to establish an artificial intelligence-driven data center in Lawrence County, Ohio, as part of a broader initiative to redefine local economic development. The company, together with various partners, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off a national rollout of their Land-to-Hand AI data center, which is expected to significantly transform the region in the coming months.
Strata Expanse’s Chief Revenue Officer, Ellen Taylor, emphasized the need for data center infrastructure in the area, stating, “We want to attract companies that are data center tenants. We have a long list of people who want to be a tenant for us because right now finding data center space is very difficult.” This endeavor could generate a ripple effect, wherein new businesses attracted to the AI data center will bolster local job creation, bringing both people and tax revenue to the region.
“We are basically testing AI workloads,” Taylor added, highlighting the dual purpose of the facility as both a testing ground for AI technologies and a training hub for local residents. The initiative aims to equip community members with the skills needed to assist in the operation and development of AI systems.
Supporting this initiative is California-based Livio, which is constructing modular buildings designed to house the data center. Livio CEO Nav Aron explained the efficiency of their assembly process, stating, “We can break it down into Ikea-like components and ship it, and it gets assembled extremely quickly, almost 75% faster.” This streamlined approach is set to expedite the rollout of the AI data center.
Another key player in this project is Millennium Reign Energy, located in Dayton, Ohio, which has developed a technology for hydrogen production that is integral to the operation of the data center. “It actually makes hydrogen, purifies it, compresses it, stores it, and dispenses it,” said CEO Chris McWhinney. He added that this technology provides a means to store energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar, making it available when conditions are less favorable for energy generation.
Following the hydrogen production, Utah-based Empower will convert the hydrogen into electricity for the data center. McWhinney expressed optimism about the project’s potential economic impact, remarking, “I don’t know if your utility rates will drop, but at least we are not going to make them go up.” This statement reflects the project’s aim to contribute positively to local energy dynamics.
The ambition is not limited to a single data center; Strata Expanse envisions expanding AI work areas across Lawrence County and potentially throughout the state of Ohio. Such growth could position the region as a hub for AI development and data services, potentially attracting further investments and talent.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries across the globe, initiatives like the Strata Expanse data center underscore the technology’s role in economic revitalization. This project not only reflects a commitment to innovative infrastructure but also highlights the vital relationship between technological advancement and community development, paving the way for a more interconnected and economically resilient future.
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