The deal could result in more R&D for Helion, which aims to build practical fusion power plants. OpenAI currently uses Microsoft Azure servers and does not own any datacenters. The power could potentially be used for a rumored $100 billion AI supercomputer project, Stargate, which is backed by OpenAI and projected to require five gigawatts of power. The supercomputer is expected to be completed by 2028, the same year Microsoft, Helion's first customer, is set to start receiving power from the startup.
Key takeaways:
- OpenAI is in talks with Helion to gain access to the startup's nuclear fusion-driven electricity generators for its datacenters.
- OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, who is also the chairman of Helion's board of directors, has recused himself from the negotiations.
- A potential deal could boost R&D for Helion's nuclear fusion technology, which is still under development.
- OpenAI currently runs its AI models on Microsoft Azure servers and doesn't own any datacenters. A rumored $100 billion AI supercomputer project, Stargate, backed by OpenAI could be a possible use for the power from Helion.