A newly announced $33 billion natural gas power project in southern Ohio, highlighted by President Donald Trump as part of a broader U.S.-Japan investment pledge, is adding fresh momentum to the state’s manufacturing outlook. The proposed facility near Portsmouth is expected to strengthen baseload generation, expand grid capacity and support the affordable power manufacturers rely on to compete and grow. Leaders say projects of this scale reinforce Ohio’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and global investment, while signaling confidence in the state’s workforce and business climate. Reliable energy is not optional for manufacturers. It is a competitive advantage that helps Ohio build, hire and lead in the next era of industrial growth. 2/18/2026