Archive · 10 Jan 2026
OpenAI, SoftBank Invest $1 Billion in SB Energy
OpenAI and SoftBank Group are each putting in $500 million to help a company called SB Energy build big computer centers, called data centres, in Texas.
These centres will help train and run AI systems.
The project is part of a huge plan called Stargate, which aims to build many AI data centres.
The centres will need a lot of electricity, so the companies are also investing in power infrastructure.
This is important because AI systems need a lot of power to work.
The data centres are expected to start operating this year.
Other big tech companies are also spending a lot on similar projects.
OpenAI and SoftBank Group are each investing $500 million in SB Energy to expand data centre and power infrastructure for the Stargate initiative.
SB Energy will build and operate a 1.2-gigawatt data centre site in Milam County, Texas for OpenAI.
SB Energy will also become a customer of OpenAI, using its APIs and deploying ChatGPT for employees.
Stargate is a $500 billion multi-year initiative backed by major investors including Oracle, with President Donald Trump's support.
The partnership aims to accelerate the delivery of advanced AI data centre campuses and associated energy infrastructure.
- Who
- OpenAI, SoftBank Group, SB Energy, Donald Trump, Oracle
- What
- Investment in SB Energy for AI data centres and power infrastructure
- When
- Announced on Friday, initial facilities expected this year
- Where
- Milam County, Texas
- Why
- To expand data centre and power infrastructure for the Stargate initiative and secure America's AI future
- Investment Amount
- $1 billion ($500 million each from OpenAI and SoftBank)
- Company
- SB Energy
- Project
- Stargate
- Data Centre Location
- Milam County, Texas
- Data Centre Capacity
- 1.2-gigawatt
- Stargate Backers
- Oracle, Donald Trump
- Initial Facilities
- Expected to begin service this year