Nvidia May Provide $250 Billion Backing for OpenAI’s Massive Ohio Data Center

Nvidia is reportedly discussing a major financial commitment to support OpenAI’s data center plans in southern Ohio, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The arrangement could involve Nvidia guaranteeing around $250 billion to help OpenAI lease a huge 10-gigawatt facility being developed by SB Energy, a power unit under SoftBank. The site sits on land once used for uranium enrichment, located near Columbus.

Why Nvidia’s Backing Matters

Since OpenAI isn’t yet profitable, it lacks the credit standing needed to secure large scale financing alone. Nvidia’s support would reassure lenders. This guarantee would cover leasing and construction costs only, not the chips themselves.

Separate Chip Financing Deal

Nvidia is also negotiating a separate funding deal for OpenAI’s chip purchases, potentially worth $350 billion. Nvidia has already put $30 billion into OpenAI.

Power for the site comes from federal land, with Japan funding a natural gas project as part of a trade agreement. Early production is expected by 2028.