Nvidia to invest US$1.5 billion in SB Energy under OpenAI data centre deal
It will also secure up to 8 gigawatts of AI computing capacity
Source: The Business Times Singapore · August 17, 2026 at 7:27 PM · AI-assisted report
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —
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Nvidia to invest US$1.5 billion in SB Energy for AI data centres in Ohio
Market Impact
Nvidia Corp will invest US$1.5 billion in SB Energy, a SoftBank-backed firm, and secure up to 8 gigawatts of AI computing capacity at an Ohio campus being developed for OpenAI. The deal underscores Nvidia’s strategy of financing the ecosystem that consumes its chips, a move that has driven demand but also raised concerns over circular financial flows.
Malaysia’s tech sector may monitor such investments as global AI infrastructure spending accelerates. Local data centre operators could face increased competition for power and land resources, though direct impact depends on Malaysia’s role in the AI supply chain. Analysts suggest Malaysian firms may explore partnerships to meet rising AI demand.
Under the agreement, Nvidia will use SB Energy’s PORTS-Pike Technology Campus in Ohio, with an initial AI data centre capacity of 4.25 GW. SB Energy and SoftBank plan to invest US$4.2 billion in Ohio’s grid infrastructure and develop at least 10 GW of new power generation to support AI data centres. SB Energy, backed by OpenAI and founded in 2019, specialises in large-scale power and data centre projects to meet AI workload demands.
The deal reflects a broader trend where tech giants integrate chip supply, power, and data centre development to meet the surging energy needs of AI models. Industry observers expect more such collaborations as AI infrastructure expansion intensifies globally. Details on Malaysia’s potential participation in similar projects remain unavailable.
Related: Nvidia