OpenAI is in advanced negotiations to purchase electricity from Helion Energy, a fusion startup backed by Sam Altman. This move indicates OpenAI’s transition towards long-term energy supply, moving beyond chips and data centers. Reports suggest that OpenAI could initially secure 12.5% of Helion’s output, equating to 5 gigawatts by 2030 and potentially increasing to 50 gigawatts by 2035. Such commitments would position OpenAI’s energy needs on a national infrastructure scale. Helion, valued at $5.425 billion after a recent $425 million funding round, also counts major investors like SoftBank and Dustin Moskovitz. However, fusion technology has yet to achieve commercial viability, with Helion nearing scientific breakeven. OpenAI’s discussions carry unresolved issues, particularly concerning energy production locations. Helion recently made headlines by signing a power purchase agreement with Microsoft, while Google has pursued energy from Helion’s competitor Commonwealth Fusion Systems.
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