OpenAI’s $850 Billion Expansion Driven by Unprecedented AI Demand

Sam Altman has confirmed OpenAI's ambitious $850 billion infrastructure expansion, citing explosive demand for AI capabilities. Standing at the construction site of the company's first mega data center in Abilene, Texas, the CEO framed the colossal investment as an industry necessity. "We are growing faster than any business I’ve ever heard of," Altman stated, acknowledging public concerns while underscoring the scale of ChatGPT's 10x usage growth over 18 months.

The energy requirements alone are staggering—17 gigawatts, equivalent to 17 nuclear plants. Each $50 billion facility forms part of a global AI infrastructure push that HSBC estimates could reach $2 trillion. "Electricity is the constraint," Altman emphasized, revealing his $500 million bet on fusion energy through Helion Energy as a potential solution.