OpenAI to lease massive new AI data centre in U.S., backed by Nvidia
OpenAI will lease a massive 8-gigawatt AI data center in Ohio for 20 years, backed by a $105 billion financing commitment from Nvidia. SoftBank and its subsidiary SB Energy will invest over $4 billion in local energy infrastructure to power the facility, aiming to generate 10 GW of new energy. The project, expected to create thousands of jobs, comes amid growing public hostility towards data centers due to their high electricity and water demands.
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is set to lease a massive 8-gigawatt AI data center in Ohio for a 20-year term. The project, located on the site of a former Cold War-era uranium enrichment plant, will be financed by a $105 billion commitment from Nvidia and exclusively run on Nvidia chips, according to a regulatory filing. The facility has the potential to become the largest single data center for artificial intelligence globally.
SoftBank and its subsidiary, SB Energy, the data center's owner, will invest over $4 billion into local energy infrastructure, committing to build at least 10 GW of new energy generation to power the site. OpenAI has also pledged $40 million to support local priorities. Nvidia will separately invest $1.5 billion into SB Energy, addressing concerns about "circular financing" by stating OpenAI will cover the lease with the same discipline applied to supply-chain management. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman anticipates the project will generate 35,000 temporary construction jobs over six years and 2,500 long-term operating positions.
The development comes amidst rising public opposition to data centers, fueled by concerns over their substantial electricity and water consumption and their perceived contribution to increasing utility bills. A Gallup poll indicated that over 70% of Americans oppose data centers near their homes. Despite these concerns, OpenAI and SB Energy maintain they will cover the energy and infrastructure costs without burdening local residents. The initial capacity will be 4.25 GW, with potential expansion to 8 GW.