Stargate Project Data Center Under Construction in Texas
In Abilene, Texas, construction is underway on the first data center associated with OpenAI, SoftBank Group, and Oracle's $100 billion Stargate venture.
Spanning approximately 875 acres, the project will house data centers powered by Oracle, as confirmed by sources familiar with the matter. These facilities will drive advanced artificial intelligence systems developed by OpenAI.
The project entails the creation of a minimum of 57 full-time positions with an average salary of $57,600 annually. However, projections from OpenAI and President Trump suggest that the project will generate significantly more jobs in the future.
Data center projects typically result in fewer long-term jobs compared to traditional tech campuses. As an example, Microsoft employs approximately 325 individuals across its Texas data centers. Nonetheless, the project is anticipated to create hundreds of thousands of jobs during construction and operation.
The initial phase of the Stargate project involves a 200-megawatt data center, with plans for expansion to 1.2 gigawatts. The scale of the project is immense, with each building covering half a million square feet.
To support the project, Abilene has granted tax breaks, including an 85% property tax reduction for two decades. The project must be completed by August 2026.
OpenAI's proposal outlined the potential for creating over 44,000 jobs in Texas and comparable numbers in other states through the construction of a 5-gigawatt data center campus. Indirect employment from worker spending is also expected.
The Stargate project is a testament to the growing computational demands of advanced AI services. The data centers in Abilene will play a crucial role in fueling innovation and transforming industries.