In a major move to secure the physical infrastructure underpinning the artificial intelligence boom, Nvidia has committed up to $105 billion in financing and computing resources for a massive new OpenAI data center in Ohio. According to recent regulatory filings, the facility will be constructed and managed by SB Energy at the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus in Pike County, Ohio. The landmark deal, structured as a 20-year lease to OpenAI, represents a significant step forward in establishing long-term, high-capacity computing hubs capable of powering next-generation AI models.

The ambitious project is designed to initially support 4.25 gigawatts of computing capacity, with an option to expand by an additional 3.75 gigawatts. Nvidia will supply the high-end compute hardware, with the infrastructure expected to roll out in phases beginning in 2028. To support the immense energy requirements of the site, SB Energy and SoftBank plan to develop power sources capable of delivering 10 gigawatts of energy, alongside a $4.2 billion investment into the regional grid infrastructure. Additionally, Nvidia is making a direct $1.5 billion investment into SB Energy to solidify the partnership.

The deal highlights deep-seated connections within the AI ecosystem. OpenAI holds a stake in SB Energy, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was an early investor in the energy firm. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized that the agreement secures long-lived infrastructure, allowing OpenAI to deploy highly productive “AI factories” that can be continuously upgraded with future hardware generations. Beyond its technological implications, the project is expected to be a major economic driver for Ohio, projected to generate 35,000 construction jobs through 2032 and establish 2,500 permanent, long-term positions.

This massive financing package is part of a broader trend of aggressive infrastructure spending by major tech players. Nvidia recently partnered with several leading asset managers to establish financing platforms aimed at deploying $500 billion in third-party capital for data center developments. Highlighting the critical nature of these projects, OpenAI President Greg Brockman noted that computing power has effectively become the “new oil”—the fundamental, limited resource defining the modern technological era.

Key Takeaways

• Nvidia is providing up to $105 billion in credit and compute resources for a new OpenAI data center in Pike County, Ohio.
• SB Energy will construct and manage the facility under a 20-year lease, with power infrastructure supported by a $4.2 billion regional grid investment from SB Energy and SoftBank.
• The project is expected to bring significant economic growth to Ohio, creating 35,000 construction jobs and 2,500 permanent roles.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

The $105 billion agreement between Nvidia, OpenAI, and SB Energy underscores the staggering capital requirements of the generative AI race. By directly financing the infrastructure of its primary customer, Nvidia is employing a highly strategic—though heavily scrutinized—vertical integration model. This “circular financing” approach ensures a guaranteed pipeline for Nvidia’s high-end GPUs while securing OpenAI’s long-term computational needs. However, the sheer scale of the 10-gigawatt power target highlights the looming energy bottleneck facing the tech sector. As AI models grow more complex, the battleground is shifting from software algorithms to physical grid capacity and hardware availability. This deal sets a precedent for how tech giants will bypass traditional venture capital, instead leveraging massive corporate debt and direct infrastructure partnerships to secure the “new oil” of the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will the new OpenAI data center be located, and who is building it?
A: The data center will be built at the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus in Pike County, Ohio. It will be constructed and managed by SB Energy under a 20-year lease agreement with OpenAI.

Q: How much power will the new facility require, and how is it being funded?
A: The facility will initially support 4.25 gigawatts of computing capacity, with options to expand. To meet these needs, SB Energy and SoftBank are investing $4.2 billion in regional grid infrastructure to support up to 10 gigawatts of power, backed by Nvidia's $105 billion financing package and a $1.5 billion direct investment in SB Energy.

Q: When is the new data center expected to become operational?
A: The computing capacity is scheduled to come online in phases starting in 2028.