Nvidia in Talks to Back OpenAI With $250 Billion Data Center Financing Plan
Nvidia is reportedly in talks to provide around $250 billion in financing guarantees for OpenAI’s large-scale data center project. The proposed support would help OpenAI secure infrastructure capacity for its growing artificial intelligence operations.
According to reports, the financing guarantee would support a 10-gigawatt data center project being developed in southern Ohio. Meanwhile, the project is expected to become one of the largest AI infrastructure investments, with total costs projected to exceed $500 billion, including data center chips.
For OpenAI, the agreement would represent a major step toward building and controlling its own infrastructure. Currently, the company relies on external cloud providers, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Oracle, for computing resources.
However, Nvidia’s support would also provide the chipmaker with long-term demand for its advanced processors. Therefore, the arrangement could strengthen the relationship between the two companies as AI development continues to expand.
Financing Plan and Infrastructure Expansion
The reported $250 billion guarantee would cover the data center lease and related debt financing. However, it would not include the Nvidia chips required inside the facility.
Additionally, discussions are reportedly underway regarding financing OpenAI’s chip purchases, which could reach up to $350 billion. The backing would also help create financing structures designed to provide confidence to lenders involved in the project.
The first phase of the data center is expected to be completed in 2028. At that stage, the facility is planned to operate with around 800 megawatts of power capacity.
Furthermore, the project highlights the increasing financial demands of developing large-scale AI systems. Technology companies are now seeking significant investment from both debt and equity markets to expand their computing infrastructure.
Government Role and Growing AI Investment
The power supply for the project is controlled by the U.S. government and separately funded by Japan under a recent trade agreement. The arrangement is connected to Tokyo’s commitment to invest $33 billion in a natural gas plant.
According to the report, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is involved in decisions regarding access to the power resources. However, the details of the agreement have not been independently verified.
OpenAI has reportedly been in advanced discussions for several weeks to lease the site. Moreover, other companies, including Anthropic, Microsoft, and Google, have also expressed interest in the project.
The development reflects a wider industry trend as major technology companies increase spending on AI infrastructure. As a result, global investment in AI-related infrastructure is expected to surpass $700 billion this year.
