Anthropic and OpenAI are actively seeking smaller data center agreements, with capacities ranging from 20 to 30 megawatts, as they accelerate the deployment of AI infrastructure, sources told CNBC on Friday. This strategic pivot comes after both AI labs secured multi-hundred-megawatt and gigawatt-scale facilities over the past year.
Anthropic has reportedly initiated conversations regarding these mid-sized deals across the United Kingdom and the Nordic region. According to two sources, OpenAI has similarly explored opportunities for smaller deployments in the Nordics. Additionally, one source indicated that talks concerning U.S.-based capacity at this scale are also underway for both companies.
The pursuit of smaller allocations addresses the urgent need for speed. Jabez Tan, head of research at Structure Research, noted that smaller deals are attractive primarily due to “speed to usable capacity.” He explained that securing a few megawatts at an already powered site is often more practical than waiting for a significantly larger block in a single location.
This search for flexibility complements the giants’ existing mega-deals. In August, Anthropic finalized a roughly $45 billion cloud agreement with Nscale, securing approximately 460 MW of compute capacity at a development site in West Virginia. Meanwhile, OpenAI surpassed its original 10 GW commitment to the Stargate AI infrastructure project in April and has since pledged an additional 3 GW in Georgia and 8 GW in Ohio.
An OpenAI spokesperson stated, “We’re building a diversified compute portfolio to meet growing demand for AI around the world,” adding that the company assesses opportunities based on requirements, performance, reliability, timing, and cost. Anthropic did not provide a comment when approached by CNBC.
The move toward smaller sites also reflects broader industry challenges. Large-scale data center projects in the U.S. and Europe are increasingly encountering resistance from local communities. Furthermore, much of Europe faces shortages in both available land and power supply, making existing, smaller-powered sites a viable alternative for rapid expansion.
Leave a Reply