OpenAI is currently seeking locations across the U.S. for the establishment of large data centers aimed at enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities. This initiative marks a significant expansion from its primary Texas site, as the company explores options in 16 different states to expedite its Stargate project, which has gained backing from former President Donald Trump.
The organization behind ChatGPT has issued a call for proposals that encompass land, electricity, engineering talent, and architectural resources. This week, site visits have commenced in states like Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Stargate, a collaborative venture that includes OpenAI, Oracle, and Softbank, was promoted by Trump shortly after he resumed his presidency. This partnership has committed to investing $100 billion initially, with the potential to extend that investment to $500 billion, focusing on constructing expansive data centers and the requisite energy generation capabilities for further development of AI technologies. Trump has described the initiative as a “resounding declaration of confidence in America’s potential” under his administration, even as work continues on the initial project in Abilene, Texas, which has been underway for several months.
Elon Musk, an advisor to Trump and a staunch competitor to OpenAI who is currently engaged in legal disputes with the organization and CEO Sam Altman, has raised questions about the efficacy of the Stargate investments. Following Trump’s announcement, several states reached out to OpenAI expressing interest in hosting additional data centers, as reported by Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s vice president of global affairs.
The criteria for sites outlined in OpenAI’s proposal emphasize proximity to essential infrastructure, particularly power and water sources. Given that artificial intelligence demands a large energy supply—much of which is derived from fossil fuels contributing to climate change—data centers also require significant water for cooling purposes.
Although OpenAI’s proposal does not specify a focus on renewable energy sources like wind or solar power for these data centers, it does request that electricity providers have a strategy in place for managing carbon emissions and water usage. Keith Heyde, who leads OpenAI’s infrastructure strategy, mentioned that “some sites we’re looking at will help introduce new power to that area,” whether through new gas installations or alternative energy sources.
The initial project in Texas is situated in an area described by Abilene’s mayor as abundant in various energy resources, including wind, solar, and natural gas. This aligns with the construction of the AI data center campus that commenced in June, featuring two prominent buildings showcased in a recent drone footage shared by Altman on social media.
Chase Energy’s CEO, Chase Lochmiller, highlighted that wind power is fundamental to their current project, although they will also incorporate a gas-fired generator for backup. “We aim to develop data centers in locations that offer low-cost, clean, and plentiful energy resources,” he remarked, noting that West Texas is particularly advantageous due to its consistently favorable weather conditions.
Lochmiller anticipated that the Trump administration, notwithstanding the president’s criticisms of wind farms, would adopt a practical stance in supporting wind-powered data centers based on cost efficiency.
Besides Texas, OpenAI is actively exploring opportunities in several other states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Heyde expressed that the strategic plan entails establishing “somewhere between five to 10” campuses, contingent on the size of each facility.
Previously, OpenAI depended on Microsoft for its computational requirements; however, recent changes to their partnership allow OpenAI to forge ahead independently in the development of data centers.
