Meta's Massive GPU Plans, ByteDance's $12B AI Chip Move, and Biden's Export Limits

Hi there,

In this edition of Silicon Brief, we're diving into the latest developments in AI chips and data centers. ByteDance is making a significant move by planning to invest $12 billion in AI chips by 2025, signaling a strong commitment to advancing their technological capabilities. Meanwhile, Longsys has introduced a compact eMMC designed specifically for AI wearables, showcasing innovation in the hardware space.

On the data center front, Blackstone has acquired the Potomac Energy Center, and Meta is gearing up for a massive AI expansion with plans to deploy 1.3 million GPUs by 2025. Additionally, Reliance Group is set to build the world's largest data center in Gujarat, highlighting the growing demand and investment in data infrastructure. Stay tuned as we explore these stories and more in this edition.

Amazon Web Services and other tech companies are exploring direct connections to nuclear plants, raising regulatory concerns about grid fairness. TerraPower and Sabey Data Centers have partnered to explore using advanced nuclear Natrium plants to power data centers, addressing the rising energy demands from AI advancements.

The Biden administration has implemented export restrictions on advanced AI chips, targeting over 100 countries, with a focus on China and Russia. This move could lead to global AI disparities and influence the development of AI technologies in affected nations.

Blackstone Energy Transition Partners announced its agreement to acquire the Potomac Energy Center, a 774-megawatt natural gas power plant in Loudoun County, Virginia, to support regional data center power demands. Digital Power Optimization has announced a $200 million AI computing facility in Wisconsin Rapids, in partnership with Billerud. The project aims to be operational by 2026. The ABCI 3.0 supercomputer, Japan's most advanced public supercomputer, has commenced operations to enhance AI research capabilities.

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, plans to invest over $12 billion in AI infrastructure by 2025, focusing on AI chips in China and overseas investments to boost model training capabilities. Longsys has launched a 7.2mm × 7.2mm subsize eMMC memory solution aimed at enhancing space efficiency in AI wearables. Pat Gelsinger, former CEO of Intel, has invested in the British AI hardware startup Fractile, founded by Walter Goodwin.