Introduction
OpenAI has issued an unequivocal warning: American leadership in artificial intelligence is at risk unless the United States rapidly addresses its electrical capacity shortage. In a new submission to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the company highlights how the exponential growth of AI requires energy infrastructure that the country is currently unable to provide. With over 800 million weekly users utilizing its tools, OpenAI emphasizes how AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of daily life for millions of people.
The Energy Gap Between US and China
Electricity is not simply a utility but a strategic asset critical to building the AI infrastructure that will secure leadership on the most consequential technology since electricity itself. OpenAI defines electrons as "the new oil" and warns that a dangerous "electron gap" is forming between the United States and China.
The numbers are alarming: in 2024, China added 429 gigawatts of new power capacity, accounting for over half of global electricity growth. The United States contributed just 51 gigawatts, roughly one-eighth of China's increase. This disparity creates concrete risks to America's AI leadership position.
Economic Impact of AI Infrastructure
Investments in AI infrastructure could generate significant economic returns. According to an internal OpenAI analysis, the first trillion dollars invested in AI infrastructure could create more than 5 percent in additional GDP growth over a three-year period. These economic benefits represent a once-in-a-century opportunity to strengthen the American economy and modernize the country's industrial base.
OpenAI proposes that the Trump Administration work with the private sector on an ambitious national project to build 100 gigawatts a year of new energy capacity, an objective necessary to close the gap with China and maintain competitive advantage.
The Stargate Project and OpenAI Investments
OpenAI is actively contributing with concrete investments. The Stargate sites under construction in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin will add nearly 7 GW of new compute capacity and over $400 billion in investment over the next three years. This puts the company on a clear path, and ahead of schedule, to meeting its full $500 billion, 10 GW commitment by the end of 2025.
At the new Wisconsin site, OpenAI is working with the local utility to increase energy capacity in ways that strengthen the grid for residents. The designs ensure that Stargate sites contribute energy back to the local system or reduce how much they draw from it, avoiding higher costs for consumers.
Workforce Training for the Intelligence Age
OpenAI is preparing today's workers for tomorrow's jobs through its OpenAI Certifications program and Jobs Platform. These initiatives create new pathways into skilled trades and technology roles with strong wages and portable credentials, supporting families and anchoring communities far from Silicon Valley.
An analysis of US infrastructure plans finds the country will need an estimated 20 percent of its current skilled trades workforce over the next five years to support new data centers and energy infrastructure. Labor shortages represent a growing constraint to American AI leadership.
Recommendations to the US Administration
In the OSTP submission, OpenAI urges the administration to take four urgent actions:
- Strengthen America's industrial base through energy infrastructure investments
- Modernize regulations to unlock more energy production
- Equip American workers with AI-oriented education and workforce development programs
- Ensure frontier AI systems protect American national security, including through expanded federal government adoption
AI for Electric Grid Optimization
AI systems are already improving how we operate and manage the grid, forecast demand, and design next-generation systems that make energy generation more efficient and reliable. This application of artificial intelligence to the energy sector represents a virtuous circle where AI helps solve the capacity problems it creates.
Conclusion
The energy challenge represents a test of America's ability to maintain global technological leadership. From the interstate highway system to the Apollo program, the United States has a history of thinking big, acting big, and building big. That same ambition can deliver the energy and infrastructure needed to maintain America's global lead in AI, ensuring the technology remains a source of national prosperity and strength.
"Electrons are the new oil, and we believe the Trump Administration should work with the private sector on an ambitious national project to build 100 gigawatts a year of new energy capacity."
OpenAI
FAQ
Why is electricity crucial for US leadership in AI?
Electricity is a strategic asset necessary to build the AI infrastructure that secures American leadership on the most important technology since electricity itself, with potential to generate over 5% GDP growth.
How large is the energy gap between US and China in AI?
In 2024, China added 429 GW of power capacity versus 51 GW in the US, creating an "electron gap" that threatens American leadership in artificial intelligence.
What does OpenAI propose to maintain US AI leadership?
OpenAI proposes a national project to build 100 gigawatts a year of new energy capacity, collaborating with the private sector to close the gap with China.
How much is OpenAI investing in American AI infrastructure?
OpenAI is investing over $400 billion over the next three years in Stargate sites, adding nearly 7 GW of compute capacity in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
How can AI help solve energy problems?
AI systems improve grid management, forecast demand, and design next-generation systems that make energy generation more efficient and reliable.
How many skilled workers are needed for US AI infrastructure?
Over the next five years, the US will need an estimated 20% of its current skilled trades workforce to support new data centers and energy infrastructure related to AI.