OpenAI is actively searching for locations across the United States to establish a network of extensive data centers to support its artificial intelligence endeavors. This expansion goes beyond its main facility in Texas and is exploring 16 different states as part of the Stargate project, an initiative backed by former President Donald Trump.
The company, known for developing ChatGPT, has issued a request for proposals for land, power supply, and skilled professionals like engineers and architects. This week, OpenAI team members are visiting potential sites in states including Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Shortly after returning to the White House last month, Trump spoke highly of the Stargate project, a collaborative effort involving OpenAI, Oracle, and Softbank. The partnership aims to invest $100 billion, eventually scaling to $500 billion, to construct large-scale data centers and the necessary energy production facilities to boost AI advancements. Trump described the venture as a “strong endorsement of America’s capabilities” under his administration, even though construction on the first facility in Abilene, Texas, has been ongoing for months.
Elon Musk, a Trump adviser and a notable competitor of OpenAI, has openly expressed skepticism regarding the merit of Stargate’s financial commitments. Following Trump’s announcement, several states have reached out to OpenAI, expressing interest in hosting additional data centers, as reported by Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s vice president for global affairs.
In its request for proposals, OpenAI specified a need for sites that have convenient access to essential infrastructure, such as power and water supplies. As artificial intelligence requires substantial energy, much of which is derived from fossil fuels—contributing to climate concerns—these data centers also typically require large amounts of water for cooling systems.
While OpenAI has not explicitly stated that it will prioritize the use of renewable energy sources like wind or solar power for these data centers, it has indicated that electricity providers must have strategies in place to manage carbon output and water consumption. Keith Heyde, who oversees OpenAI’s infrastructure strategy, mentioned that they are exploring options to enhance energy supply to potential sites, potentially through new gas projects or alternative means.
The Texas project is located in an area that Abilene’s mayor has highlighted for its diverse energy resources, including wind, solar, and gas. An AI data center campus has been under construction since June, featuring two large buildings that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted in a recent drone video online.
Chase Lochmiller, CEO of Crusoe, noted that wind power is a pivotal component of the project his company is undertaking, which will also include a gas-powered generator as a backup. He emphasized, “We aim to establish data centers in regions where low-cost, clean, and abundant energy is accessible.” He identified West Texas as an ideal location due to its consistently favorable weather conditions, being one of the sunniest and windiest regions in the country.
Lochmiller expressed confidence that the Trump administration would adopt a practical approach to wind-powered data centers, especially if such developments prove to be the most economical energy option, despite Trump’s previous opposition to wind farms.
Additionally, OpenAI is considering states such as Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia for its data centers. Heyde stated that the company envisions building “between five to ten” campuses in total, depending on their size.
OpenAI has historically relied on Microsoft for its computing infrastructure; however, recent changes to their partnership will allow OpenAI to pursue independent data center projects moving forward.
