OpenAI Stargate: where the US sites stand (epoch.ai)

OpenAI, in partnership with Oracle and SoftBank, has launched the $500 billion Stargate project, aimed at establishing a massive AI infrastructure across seven active sites in the U.S. This initiative represents a significant leap in AI data center capacity, with the Abilene, Texas location already operational at 0.3 gigawatts (GW) and projected to reach 1.2 GW by the end of 2026. The total planned capacity of all sites exceeds 9 GW, capable of powering the equivalent of 20 million Nvidia H100 GPUs, a necessary infrastructure to meet the growing demand for AI computing power. Stargate is designed to address key challenges in building large-scale AI data centers, incorporating on-site natural gas plants to mitigate grid connection delays and closed-loop cooling systems to conserve water. Notably, the project aims to balance swift deployment and environmental concerns—at least six sites will utilize sustainable energy sources, emphasizing a commitment to responsible resource management. As construction progresses toward a completion target of 2029, the Stargate project sets a precedent for the future of AI data center development, reflecting both the immense scale and urgency of the AI landscape.