Major Expansion of AI Infrastructure
OpenAI, in partnership with Oracle and SoftBank, is set to grow its Stargate initiative with five new data-center locations across the United States. The planned sites include Shackelford County, Texas; Doña Ana County, New Mexico; Milam County, Texas; Lordstown, Ohio; and one additional Midwestern location that has yet to be disclosed. These additions are projected to increase the program’s total computing capacity to nearly 7 gigawatts, contributing to a long-term strategy aiming for up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure investment.
Division of Responsibilities Among Partners
The consortium confirmed that Oracle will oversee the development of three of the new centers, while SoftBank will take the lead on two others. This phase pushes the Stargate program’s total commitments close to $400 billion. Company officials say the initiative is intended to meet the rising computational demands of advanced AI systems, combining Oracle’s data-center capabilities, SoftBank’s global network infrastructure, and OpenAI’s AI research needs.
Economic and Resource Implications
The companies anticipate that the construction and operation of these new sites will generate tens of thousands of jobs. Local authorities are beginning to examine zoning approvals, incentive agreements, and utility arrangements associated with the projects. Analysts warn that facilities of this scale will create significant demands on electricity and water resources, particularly in Texas and New Mexico. Proponents argue that, despite these challenges, the Stargate program will enhance U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence while providing substantial economic benefits to host communities.
