Nationwide Expansion to Increase AI Capacity
OpenAI, together with Oracle and SoftBank, is moving forward with the Stargate program by planning five additional data-center locations across the United States. The sites will be located in Shackelford County, Texas; Doña Ana County, New Mexico; Milam County, Texas; Lordstown, Ohio; and a fifth, yet-to-be-announced location in the Midwest. These centers are expected to bring the total planned computing capacity of Stargate to approximately 7 gigawatts, supporting a multi-year strategy with a projected investment of up to $500 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Partners’ Roles and Investment Commitments
The consortium specified that Oracle will oversee the construction of three of the new centers, while SoftBank will take the lead on two others. With this expansion, total commitments for the Stargate initiative now approach $400 billion. Executives highlighted that the program is designed to meet growing AI computational demands, combining Oracle’s cloud and data-center expertise, SoftBank’s global network capabilities, and OpenAI’s technological requirements.
Job Creation and Infrastructure Challenges
The companies project that the new sites will create tens of thousands of jobs, spanning both construction and permanent operational positions. Local authorities are beginning to review zoning requests, incentive plans, and utility infrastructure proposals linked to the developments. Analysts note that such large-scale facilities will place significant demands on electricity and water, especially in Texas and New Mexico. Supporters argue that, despite these challenges, the Stargate program will bolster U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and deliver economic benefits to the communities hosting the centers.
