OpenAI puts Stargate UK on ice, blames energy costs and red tape
theregister.com
April 9, 2026
3 min read
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
44/100
Summary
OpenAI has paused its Stargate datacenter project in the UK due to high energy costs and regulatory challenges. The project was initially announced in September 2022.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI has paused its Stargate datacenter project in the UK due to rising energy costs and regulatory challenges.
- The Stargate UK project was initially announced to enhance the UK's ambitions in AI and was expected to involve the purchase of up to 31,000 Nvidia GPUs.
- OpenAI plans to resume the Stargate UK project when conditions such as regulation and energy costs improve, while continuing to invest in local talent and infrastructure.
- The project is part of the UK's designated AI Growth Zone and aims to support critical public services and regulated industries.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The decision to halt Stargate UK reflects a pragmatic approach to energy costs, which could lead to more sustainable AI operations in the future.
Concerns
- Critics question the actual benefits of Stargate UK for the UK's AI ambitions, suggesting it may not contribute to true leadership in the field.
Related Articles
Revealed: UK's multibillion AI drive is built on 'phantom investments'
Mar 9, 2026
Iran's IRGC Publishes Satellite Imagery of OpenAI's $30B Stargate Datacenter
Apr 5, 2026
New Gas-Powered Data Centers Could Emit More Greenhouse Gases Than Whole Nations
Apr 28, 2026
AI's Economics Don't Make Sense
Apr 28, 2026
Nvidia backs AI data center startup Nscale as it hits $14.6B valuation
Mar 9, 2026