Microsoft and OpenAI have announced plans for a new AI super-computer data center project called Stargate, which is set to be headquartered in the U.S. The project is expected to cost over $115 billion and is scheduled for launch in 2028. The increasing demand for generative artificial intelligence has driven the need for AI-centric data centers capable of handling more advanced tasks than traditional data centers.
The Stargate supercomputer project is planned to be developed in five phases and is set to be more than triple Microsoft’s capital spending from last year on servers, buildings, and other equipment. The project’s cost is expected to be over 100 times higher than some of the largest data centers currently operating. The power requirements for Stargate are estimated to be several gigawatts, potentially requiring Microsoft and OpenAI to explore alternative power sources such as nuclear power.
The use of nuclear power as a primary power source for Stargate raises concerns about the security implications that may arise due to the handling of radioactive waste generated from nuclear energy. The radioactive waste materials produced, such as uranium mill tailings and spent reactor fuel, can remain hazardous to human health for thousands of years. The U.S. nuclear industry follows strict regulations set by organizations such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency to handle nuclear waste properly.
The volume of nuclear waste generated by Stargate’s operations is expected to increase significantly, especially if there are multiple Stargate facilities operating globally. The potential impact of a 100-fold increase in nuclear waste volume raises ethical questions about the environmental and health risks associated with the disposal of radioactive materials. Microsoft and OpenAI will need to engage in comprehensive scenario planning and collaboration with scientific experts to assess the risks of operating multiple Stargate-like facilities and evaluate the potential consequences for the planet.
The necessity for enhanced governmental policies and legislation addressing the risks of generative AI technologies remains crucial. Legal disputes, particularly concerning copyright infringement, have arisen against OpenAI in the U.S. and internationally, indicating the need for increased regulatory oversight in the AI sector. Despite Microsoft’s reputation for ethical practices, its close association with OpenAI has raised concerns, prompting the company to make a strategic investment in the French start-up Mistral AI. This investment serves as a safeguard for Microsoft in case its partnership with OpenAI faces challenges, including the mounting legal issues linked to OpenAI’s practices.
