Cologix, a prominent Denver-based data center operator, has announced a $7 billion investment to develop a sprawling data center campus in Licking County, Ohio. This investment represents a major expansion in the region, following the company’s plans for an eight-facility campus. Expected to provide up to 800MW of capacity across two million square feet, this facility is set to position Cologix as a key player in the Midwest’s growing data center market.
Strategic Location and Scale of the Project
The new campus will be located between Clover Valley Road and Duncans-Plains Road in Licking County. The project is part of Cologix’s strategy to meet the ever-increasing demand for colocation and interconnection services. The campus will feature a massive scale, delivering significant computing power and storage capacity. With the first phase scheduled to break ground in 2025, the new facilities are expected to be operational soon after.
The $7 billion investment is expected to boost the local economy and further solidify Ohio’s position as a data center hub. This investment follows Cologix’s existing presence in the state, where it already operates four data centers with a combined footprint of 500,000 square feet.
The Impact on the Columbus Data Center Ecosystem
Columbus has quickly become one of the hottest markets for data centers in the U.S., with major players such as AWS, Microsoft, Meta, and Google establishing a presence in the area. Cologix, as the largest provider of colocation and interconnection services in Columbus, is taking a significant step toward maintaining its leadership in this growing market.
In a statement, Cologix CEO Laura Ortman emphasized the importance of this investment. “This new eight-data-center campus is more than an expansion — it’s a testament to our commitment to high-capacity, resilient digital infrastructure that not only meets but anticipates our customers’ evolving requirements,” Ortman said.
Acquisition of Land and Future Plans for the Campus
The land for the new campus was acquired from Johnstown Land Company, an affiliate of New Albany Company, for $45 million in September 2024. This strategic acquisition will allow Cologix to expand its footprint in the region, meeting the rising demand for cloud and data center services. The campus will be designed to offer state-of-the-art facilities that can support modern data center needs, including high energy efficiency and sustainable practices.
Growing Demand for Data Centers in Ohio
The investment by Cologix follows a broader trend of growing demand for data centers in Ohio, especially in the Columbus and Licking County areas. Major tech companies have ramped up their investments in the region, including AWS’s announcement of a $7.8 billion investment in new data centers. This is part of Amazon’s overall $23 billion investment in Ohio, which includes a five-building data center campus in New Albany, expected to have a significant impact on local infrastructure.
Microsoft also plans to invest $1 billion in Licking County, Ohio, for the construction of three new data centers, further solidifying the region’s status as a major hub for data infrastructure.
Concerns Over Power and Energy Demands
As data centers continue to grow, concerns over energy supply and demand have also risen. In response, energy provider AEP Ohio has introduced a settlement agreement requiring new customers to pay for a minimum of 85 percent of their required energy capacity each month, regardless of actual usage. This ensures that energy demand is met while addressing the sustainability challenges that come with such massive infrastructure projects.
In parallel, the region has seen significant developments outside of the data center sector. For instance, Intel’s announcement in 2022 to build two semiconductor plants in New Albany represents another major technological investment in the state, although these projects have experienced delays due to uncertainty surrounding chip legislation.
Competitive Landscape in Ohio’s Data Center Market
Cologix’s new investment follows a competitive trend in Ohio’s data center landscape, where both large-scale providers and local developers are focusing on expanding their infrastructure. In addition to AWS, Microsoft, and Google, other key players like Vantage, CyrusOne, Edged, and Aligned have also established a presence in the region. These investments are a clear indicator that Ohio is becoming a strategic location for data centers that cater to enterprises looking to scale their digital operations.
Cologix’s expansion into Licking County will allow the company to compete head-to-head with other major data center operators in the region, positioning itself as a key player in the fast-evolving digital infrastructure market.
Future Outlook for Cologix and Ohio’s Data Center Market
Looking ahead, Cologix’s investment in Ohio will likely continue to pay dividends in terms of market share and customer demand. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, the need for advanced, scalable data centers will only increase. The Licking County campus is set to serve as a critical component in Cologix’s broader strategy to support these industries.
Ohio’s energy infrastructure and regulatory environment will be key factors in sustaining the growth of the data center sector. As data centers expand, balancing energy efficiency with rising demand will be essential for long-term sustainability. The presence of major tech companies in the region, coupled with Cologix’s strategic investments, is expected to drive continued growth for Ohio as a leading data center hub.
FAQ Section
1. What is the size of Cologix’s new data center campus in Licking County?
Cologix’s new data center campus in Licking County will span two million square feet and provide up to 800MW of capacity.
2. When is the first phase of Cologix’s new campus expected to begin?
The first phase of Cologix’s eight-facility data center campus is set to begin in 2025.
3. How much did Cologix pay for the land in Licking County?
Cologix acquired the land for its new data center campus for $45 million in September 2024.
4. What other tech companies have investments in Ohio’s data center market?
Major companies such as AWS, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Intel have significant investments in Ohio’s data center market.
5. What energy concerns are associated with the growing number of data centers in Ohio?
Energy firm AEP Ohio has introduced a settlement agreement requiring new customers to pay for a minimum of 85 percent of their energy needs each month, regardless of actual use, to ensure energy supply can meet demand.
