US-based pipeline company Hope Utilities has entered into an agreement with American Electric Power (AEP) to construct a natural gas pipeline that will supply its fuel cell power station, which is being developed to power a data centre in central Ohio. 

Announced on Thursday, August 14, the pipeline will be built, operated, and maintained by Hope Utilities' local subsidiary, Northeast Ohio Natural Gas Corporation (NEO). 

According to Hope Utilities’ release, NEO will also construct and maintain the associated gas facilities and pipelines for the project, including interconnects with interstate pipelines. 

“Hope Utilities is proud to be a natural gas partner on this project with AEP, one of the nation’s largest electric providers,” Hope Utilities CEO Morgan O’Brien said, adding that “energy and power are key components for economic development and growth opportunities.”

“Data centre developers will build these facilities in locations that have the reliable and affordable energy resources they need. Hope Utilities and NEO are ready to deliver the natural gas expertise, infrastructure, and resources necessary to move these important projects forward,” he said.

The entire project is expected to be completed and commissioned by October 2026, providing the capabilities required to meet the growing energy needs amid the growing number of power-hungry data centres in Ohio. 

“Ohio is poised to benefit from investments to support data centers,” said O’Brien, emphasizing that data centre investments will “significantly enhance the economic trajectory” of Ohio as a state and the region at large. 

“Hope is committed to adding to those investments through infrastructure upgrades and other community investments. 

This pipeline investment is just the start of Hope Utilities and NEO’s support of these projects to provide meaningful economic development opportunities throughout Ohio,” said O’Brien.