The $100 billion Stargate joint venture, involving OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, is set to use solar and battery power, at least partially, to fuel its new data centers designed for AI applications. These renewable energy sources will be provided by SoftBank-backed SB Energy, though they may not be the venture’s sole energy source. As data center energy consumption grows, the U.S. Department of Energy predicts they could use 12% of all U.S. power by 2028, creating a potential shortage. While nuclear power has gained attention, with companies like Google and Microsoft entering deals, delays and high costs remain a challenge, making solar and wind more attractive due to faster construction times. Given the urgency of Stargate's timeline, solar power is expected to be a key energy source, potentially bypassing some of the usual permitting delays. Continue here.
