$100 Billion Stargate Venture Takes Shape in Texas, Aiming to Advance Artificial Intelligence

In Abilene, Texas, a sprawling data center complex is emerging as part of the ambitious $100 billion Stargate venture led by OpenAI, SoftBank Group Corp., and Oracle Corp.

The project, situated on approximately 875 acres, will house data centers to support OpenAI's groundbreaking AI systems. Oracle is developing facilities on the site, which are expected to play a key role in the initiative.

Job Creation Uncertainties

While the scale of the data center infrastructure is vast, guaranteed full-time job creation is more limited. The project is obligated to create at least 57 positions with an average annual salary of $57,600, although the final tally could be higher.

These details reflect the grand aspirations of Stargate but also uncertainties surrounding its employment impact. Earlier, President Trump announced the venture and estimated "over 100,000 American jobs" would be created. OpenAI claimed these investments could generate "hundreds of thousands of American jobs."

However, data center projects typically do not create substantial long-term employment opportunities. Construction roles exist during the initial phase, but operational data centers require minimal full-time staff.

For example, Microsoft, an OpenAI backer, reportedly employs only 325 individuals across its Texas data centers. By 2026, it estimates 791 full-time and contract employees in operational facilities and nearly 3,000 construction jobs.

Abilene Employment Estimates

In Abilene, the minimum guaranteed 57 jobs represent a first phase of the Stargate site development. The Development Corporation of Abilene anticipates 100 "high-skilled" jobs from this initial phase. Additionally, Crusoe Energy Systems, one of the site's developers, expects over 100 full-time positions in roles such as data center technicians and maintenance staff.

Stargate's Impact on Job Creation

OpenAI believes the Stargate project will generate hundreds of thousands of construction jobs nationwide. Oracle and Softbank have not commented on the project.

OpenAI released a policy proposal outlining how a 5-gigawatt data center campus could create or support over 44,000 jobs in Texas and a similar number in other states. However, the Abilene data centers will be smaller, with an initial capacity of 200 megawatts and a planned expansion to 1.2 gigawatts.

Construction Progress

Construction on the Abilene project is underway, with data centers leased to Oracle being built by Crusoe, Blue Owl Capital Inc., and Primary Digital Infrastructure. Financing is provided by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The project has received tax breaks from the city and Taylor County. Construction is expected to be completed by August 2026.