As a result, OpenAI and SoftBank, which recently acquired DigitalBridge, will each invest SB Energy to support growing demand for AI computing.
The announcement builds on the $500 billion Stargate investment commitment unveiled at the White House in January.
Additionally, OpenAI has also selected SB Energy to build and operate its previously announced 1.2-gigawatt data centre in Milam County, Texas.
The funding will also help SB Energy expand its role as a developer of large-scale data centre campuses and the energy systems that support them.
Alongside this, the companies have also formed a non-exclusive preferred partnership to develop a new model for AI-focused data centres that combines OpenAI’s data centre designs with SB Energy’s energy and infrastructure expertise.
According to SB Energy, the projects will bring well-paying construction jobs, workforce development and long-term economic growth to local communities.
SB Energy said the facility has been designed to minimise water usage and the company plans to build new power generation to meet energy demand while protecting Texas electricity customers.
OpenAI co-founder and president Greg Brockman said: “Partnering with SB Energy brings together their strength in data centre infrastructure and energy development and OpenAI’s deep domain expertise in data centre engineering.
“The result is a fast, reliable way to scale compute through large, highly optimised AI data centres.”
SB Energy co-CEO Rich Hossfeld added: “SB Energy’s strategic partnership with OpenAI accelerates our delivery of advanced AI data centre campuses and associated energy infrastructure at the scale required to advance Stargate and secure America’s AI future.
“We are grateful for our longstanding sponsor SoftBank Group and new partner OpenAI for their investment in our platform, our team, and our long-term vision.”
SB Energy co-CEO Abhijeet Sathe continued “Over the past 18 months, SB Energy and OpenAI have worked closely with Studio 151 across multiple data centre projects, and their technical expertise and execution discipline has been exceptional. Bringing these capabilities in-house strengthens our ability to deliver repeatable campuses at scale and with certainty.”
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Metro Connect USA 2026
Welcome to Metro Connect USA, the largest event for digital infrastructure leaders in the United States. You are invited to join over 3,500 attendees from every sector of the US digital infrastructure market. From fiber optics to data centers, the event serves as a pivotal gathering for forging partnerships, securing funding, gaining insights into industry advancements, and getting deals done.
