OpenAI and SoftBank Invest $1 Billion in SB Energy for U.S. AI Data Centers

January 10, 2026
OpenAI and SoftBank Group are investing $1 billion in SB Energy to develop large-scale AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the U.S., including a 1.2 GW facility in Texas set to begin operations in 2026.

OpenAI and SoftBank Group Corp. are partnering with SB Energy to build next-generation AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the United States, announced in a press release. The companies are jointly investing $1 billion—$500 million each—into SB Energy as part of the Stargate initiative, which follows a previously announced $500 billion national AI infrastructure plan.

As part of the agreement, OpenAI has selected SB Energy to build and operate a 1.2 gigawatt data center in Milam County, Texas. Construction is already underway, with operations expected to begin in 2026. The facility is designed to minimize water usage and will be supported by new energy generation projects to meet its power needs.

The collaboration also establishes a preferred development model combining OpenAI’s data center design expertise with SB Energy’s experience in energy and construction. SB Energy recently expanded its in-house capabilities through the acquisition of Studio 151, a data center construction and engineering firm with experience across 20 campuses.

In addition to OpenAI and SoftBank’s investment, Ares Infrastructure Opportunities funds have provided $800 million in preferred equity to support SB Energy’s continued growth in large-scale data center infrastructure.

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