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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
October 29, 2025




*MEDIA CONTACTS:
*Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
Jill Del Greco: 614-644-0957






*Governor DeWine, JobsOhio Announce $100 Million
‘Energy Opportunity Initiative’*

"Funds to support investment in natural gas infrastructure, power generation, and nuclear supply chain/siting"

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— While attending the Ohio Business Roundtable CEO Summit in Lewis Center this morning, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and JobsOhio announced the creation of the new JobsOhio Energy Opportunity Initiative, a $100 million fund for economic development opportunities over a five-year period. These funds will provide assistance to qualifying companies in the form of grants and low-interest loans to help offset costs related to natural gas and nuclear power production in Ohio. 

“To continue Ohio’s growth and to create jobs, we must focus on energy,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio must have an energy policy that ensures we have the supply we need for current and future demand, which will help keep costs reasonable.”

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[ [link removed] ]
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*VIDEO: Gov. DeWine Announces New Energy Initiative At Ohio Business Roundtable Event* [ [link removed] ]


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Funds from the Energy Opportunity Initiative will be used over a five-year period and focus on:


* Engineering, right-of-way, and construction costs for new and existing natural gas infrastructure
* Site preparation for SMR generation
* Advanced training for Ohio’s workforce and the creation of a “nuclear energy center of excellence” around employment
* Incentives for attracting supply-chain companies for SMR manufacturing and production

JobsOhio will work with its seven regional network partners to identify projects and companies that could benefit from the Energy Opportunity Initiative. This initiative will be leveraged for attraction and expansion projects throughout the state.

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Photo of Governor DeWine [ [link removed] ]
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*INTERVIEWS: Gov. DeWine, JobsOhio President & CEO J.P. Nauseef, Centrus CEO Amir Vexler, Ohio Business Roundtable President & CEO Pat Tiberi* [ [link removed] ]


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States across the country are seeing an increase in energy demand. Ohio has abundant natural gas, which is why investments in Ohio’s shale-energy sector have soared past $111 billion [ [link removed] ] since 2011. States that lack this natural resource are instead quickly pursuing newer technologies around nuclear power, including nuclear fission small modular reactors (SMRs). Ohio will need to tap into both capabilities to help businesses grow and thrive, and create jobs for Ohio families.

Natural gas infrastructure and SMR development are expensive but essential for Ohio to continue as a U.S. energy leader.

“Ohio is powering America’s energy story,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “With world-class shale resources, infrastructure, and talent, we’re leading the nation in the trillion-dollar Energy Super Sector. This initiative strengthens that momentum, fueling new projects, jobs, and America’s growing energy needs.”

“Ohio has the potential to be a global leader when it comes to energy generation and development,” said Ohio Business Roundtable President and CEO Pat Tiberi. “From our pipeline of nuclear technology to leadership in solar manufacturing and deployment, and our position in one of the largest shale regions in the world, Ohio is built for energy. If we embrace the opportunity this funding provides, economic development will follow, because in today’s world, energy is the foundation of economic success.”

Today’s news follows two other significant energy announcements in Ohio: a multi-billion-dollar expansion of a Centrus uranium enrichment plant [ [link removed] ] in Piketon, and Westrafo opening a new manufacturing facility [ [link removed] ] in Trotwood.

"Ohio is at the forefront of attracting businesses," said Centrus Energy President and CEO Amir Vexler. "I think putting energy at the forefront shows a lot of foresight and a lot of leadership. Affordable leadership in energy is the enabler for businesses to prosper in Ohio and the entire U.S."

CNBC also recently ranked Ohio as a Top 5 State for Doing Business [ [link removed] ], including best in the nation for its public-private investments in infrastructure.

*About JobsOhio *

JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio [ [link removed] ]. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition [ [link removed] ], Lake to River Economic Development [ [link removed] ], Ohio Southeast Economic Development [ [link removed]- ], One Columbus [ [link removed] ], REDI Cincinnati [ [link removed] ], Regional Growth Partnership [ [link removed] ], and Team NEO [ [link removed] ], JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.

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*Additional Media Contact: 

*JobsOhio
Matt Englehart 
614-300-1152
[email protected]

*-30-*







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