Stargate Begins Construction of $1.1 Billion Data Center in Texas

The Stargate project, a collaboration between Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank, is set to establish its first data center in Abilene, Texas, with construction costs estimated at $1.1 billion. President Donald Trump announced the initiative, which is part of a larger $100 billion investment aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure in the U.S. The data center, covering 875 acres, is expected to create at least 57 full-time jobs with an average salary of $57,600, although Trump claims it will generate over 100,000 jobs across the broader AI industry. Despite the ambitious projections, historical data suggests that actual long-term employment at such facilities is typically much lower than anticipated. The project emphasizes Texas' favorable business climate and renewable energy resources as key factors in its selection. Construction is expected to commence in mid-2025, with operations starting by mid-2026.