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OpenAI is actively scouting locations across 16 U.S. states to establish a network of data centers for its ‘Stargate’ AI project, a collaboration with Oracle and SoftBank, endorsed by President Donald Trump. The company has issued requests for proposals, seeking land, electricity, engineers, and architects, with site visits already conducted in Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The project plans an initial investment of $100 billion, potentially expanding to $500 billion, to develop large-scale data centers and the necessary infrastructure for AI advancement.
OpenAI emphasizes the importance of proximity to existing infrastructure, including power and water, and encourages electricity providers to plan for carbon and water management. The first data center is under construction in Abilene, Texas. States under consideration for further development include Arizona, California, Florida, and Maryland.
This initiative aligns with the U.S. government’s recent focus on bolstering AI infrastructure, highlighted by President Trump’s executive order and the formation of the Stargate partnership. The project aims to enhance America’s AI capabilities and competitiveness against emerging AI advancements from China.
However, the project has faced criticism from figures like Elon Musk, who has questioned its financial viability. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has refuted these claims, inviting Musk to visit the construction site in Texas. As OpenAI continues its search for suitable locations, the Stargate project represents a significant investment in the nation’s AI infrastructure, with the potential to create numerous jobs and advance technological capabilities.
