OpenAI will keep investing in AI data centers despite election results, says CFO Sarah Friar
OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar said the company will continue investing in AI infrastructure and data centers despite election results linked to backlash against data center development. She cited efforts to address community concerns about electricity, water, noise and local benefits, including a Georgia project involving noise controls, school meals and a park.
OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar told CNBC that strong demand for artificial intelligence will keep the company investing in compute infrastructure, raising capital and working with hyperscalers and local communities. Her comments followed midterm election results in which candidates campaigning for data center pauses won races and flipped some Republican-held seats.
Friar said communities have raised concerns about electricity costs, water use and noise. She said OpenAI would not increase residents' electricity bills and could help utilities invest in the grid. In Georgia, she described plans for a 300-foot berm to reduce noise around a data center, along with community investments such as free school meals, a park and an AI summit for small businesses.