Meta’s fast-tracked gas plants in Ohio raise AI energy cost

Meta is advancing its own behind-the-meter natural gas generation in Ohio to power AI data centers, using a new state permitting path that can approve projects in as little as 45 days without public hearings. Two facilities are moving forward. The 200 MW Socrates South plant in New Albany received Ohio Power Siting Board approval on June 9, 2025. The 350 MW Apollo plant in Middleton Township was approved on February 3, 2026. Together, the fast-tracked gas plants add 550 MW of dedicated capacity for Meta’s AI infrastructure. Ohio lawmakers created the expedited approval pathway in 2025. Under the rules, projects can get sign-off quickly and may skip required public hearings. The report also says residents may not have seen draft air permits until after construction began for Apollo. The plants are being built by subsidiaries of The Williams Companies, with Meta financing and taking all generated electricity. The behind-the-meter design makes the sites operate essentially off-grid, avoiding routing through the public utility system. Environmental estimates cited in the article suggest about 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 per project annually, or roughly 5 million tonnes combined if both run at scale. Local stakeholders and environmental groups have criticized the approach, including limited opportunities for input and use of shell entities that reduce traceability of responsibility. Construction is targeted for completion by late 2026. For traders, this is primarily a macro/sector-read rather than a crypto-specific catalyst, but it highlights accelerating energy constraints and infrastructure risk tied to AI demand.