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NVIDIA Backs OpenAI’s Ohio AI Data Center with up to $105 Billion

NVIDIA will provide credit support for 4.25 IT-GW of initial capacity at PORTS-Pike, where OpenAI will be the customer and SB Energy will build, own and operate the data center.
OpenAI, SB Energy and NVIDIA logos displayed together on a black background, representing their collaboration on an AI data center campus in Ohio.
August 19, 2026 02:52 PM IST | Written by Neelam Sharma | Edited by Pratima O Pareek

NVIDIA is providing a guarantee of up to $105 billion for an AI data center being developed by SB Energy in Pike County, Ohio, for OpenAI, according to a regulatory filing.

OpenAI will be the customer under a 20-year lease, while SB Energy will build, own and operate the data center. NVIDIA said that OpenAI will be the customer for 8-IT GW and NVIDIA will be the “exclusive provider” of AI compute infrastructure at PORTS-Pike. The first 800 MW is expected to become available in 2028.

The agreement expands the partnership between NVIDIA and OpenAI as both companies work to build large-scale AI infrastructure in the U.S. In September 2025, the companies announced a strategic partnership to deploy at least 10 GW of NVIDIA systems for OpenAI’s next-generation AI infrastructure, with NVIDIA intending to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI as the systems are deployed.

The project also connects to the Stargate initiative. Earlier this year, OpenAI and SoftBank each invested $500 million in SB Energy to expand data-center and power infrastructure supporting Stargate, which is built around a $500 billion commitment to develop AI infrastructure in the U.S.

For the PORTS-Pike project, NVIDIA will provide credit support for the land, power and shell buildout needed to secure the initial 4.25 IT-GW, with an option to take the remaining 3.75 IT-GW.

NVIDIA will also invest $1.5 billion in SB Energy. SB Energy and SoftBank plan to build at least 10 GW of new energy generation to support the planned 8 IT-GW AI factory, while at least $4.2 billion is planned for regional grid infrastructure.

The project is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in Ohio and includes an initial $80 million community benefits fund, along with additional investment in power infrastructure.

Also Read: OpenAI Raises $110 Billion in its Largest AI Funding Round

Authors

  • Neelam Sharma, reporter at AI FrontPage

    Neelam Sharma is a passionate storyteller, and journalist with over a decade of experience across leading Indian media houses.
    Known for her calm presence on screen and powerful storytelling off it, Neelam brings a rare blend of credibility, creativity, and empathy to journalism. Her strength lies in ground reporting and research-driven narratives that connect with the heart of the audience. Whether covering social issues, human-interest features, or breaking news, she combines factual depth with a human touch—making every story not just informative.

    LinkedIn
  • Pratima Pareek, Editor and Co-founder of AI FrontPage

    Pratima O Pareek is an Editor and Co-Founder of AI FrontPage. A gold medalist in Mass Communication and Journalism, she's worked across national and international newsrooms, bringing sharp editorial instincts and a commitment to clarity. She believes in cutting through the noise to deliver stories that actually matter.
    Off the clock, she watches offbeat cinema, follows tennis, and explores new places like a traveler, not a tourist.

    LinkedIn

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