$10m Natural Gas Pipeline to Supply Onsite Fuel Cell Facility at Ohio Facility

Aspire Energy Express, the Ohio subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities, has partnered with American Electric Power (AEP) to build and operate an intrastate natural gas pipeline to serve a fuel cell facility set to power a data center behind-the-meter. The new natural gas pipeline will cost approximately $10 million to build and is expected to be operational in the first half of 2027.

"This project is a clear example of how Chesapeake Utilities Corporation continues to execute on our growth strategy by leveraging our core capabilities," said Jeff Sylvester, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation.

While not confirmed, the natural gas pipeline is likely to serve a Bloom Energy fuel cell facility. In November, Bloom signed a supply agreement with AEP for up to 1GW of power to supply AI data center sites across Ohio. Bloom agreed to supply an initial 100MW of cells, with an expansion order expected in 2025.