Oracle is building a $165 billion data center campus in New Mexico to support OpenAI's AI models. Here's what you need to know:
This project strengthens the U.S.'s position in AI infrastructure while delivering economic benefits to New Mexico.
Project Jupiter represents one of the largest private infrastructure investments in U.S. history, with a staggering commitment of up to $165 billion spread over 30 years. In just the first five years, $50 billion will be allocated, focusing heavily on advanced GPUs that will be refreshed every 5–7 years. To put this into perspective, the total investment surpasses the combined property valuation of El Paso County, Texas.
The project spans a massive 1,400-acre campus in Santa Teresa, Doña Ana County, New Mexico, which will house four hyperscale data center buildings. Designed to be entirely self-sufficient, the facility avoids reliance on the public power grid - a typical concern with projects of this magnitude. It also includes one of the world’s largest battery storage systems to ensure operational reliability. This monumental effort is a cornerstone of OpenAI’s larger Stargate initiative.
Project Jupiter serves as the backbone of OpenAI’s ambitious $500 billion Stargate initiative, which aims to develop 10 gigawatts of AI infrastructure across the country. Selected from over 300 proposals spanning 30 states, it has become one of five confirmed Stargate sites, alongside locations in Abilene, Texas; Shackelford County, Texas; and Lordstown, Ohio. Oracle, the anchor tenant, has secured an 18-year lease, while OpenAI is the primary user, leveraging the facility’s power to train advanced AI models.
Currently, the Stargate initiative has 5 gigawatts under development and more than 2 million AI chips in operation. In July 2025, OpenAI and Oracle expanded their collaboration to build an additional 4.5 gigawatts of capacity. Early workloads for training and inference are already underway at the Stargate I site in Abilene, utilizing Nvidia GB200 racks. This partnership strengthens the U.S. position as a global leader in AI infrastructure.
Project Jupiter is a critical piece in maintaining U.S. dominance in the global AI race, especially in competition with nations like China. Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, highlighted the importance of this effort:
"Those countries that are able to harness their national and natural resources to build out the infrastructure... are going to be the countries that have a real advantage from an economic competitiveness perspective and certainly from a national security, geopolitical perspective."
The facility will play a key role in supporting OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform, which currently serves around 700 million weekly users. It will also provide the computational power needed to train next-generation models like GPT-6 and beyond. By securing the necessary land and power density for these large-scale workloads, Project Jupiter aims to overcome the compute bottleneck that has been slowing advancements in AGI research. This project is more than just infrastructure - it’s a strategic move to solidify U.S. leadership in AI across critical fields such as national security and medicine.
Oracle's OCI Zettascale10 Supercluster forms the backbone of Project Jupiter. This custom platform connects up to 800,000 NVIDIA GPUs across multi-gigawatt clusters, delivering a staggering 16 zettaFLOPS of peak performance - a 10X boost in computational power required for training OpenAI's advanced models.
The architecture leverages Oracle Acceleron RoCE Networking, a specialized RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE v2) design. By utilizing GPU NICs as mini-switches, this setup creates a "wide, shallow" network fabric with isolated planes. The result? Latency is slashed to as low as 2.5 microseconds, and cluster-wide disruptions during maintenance or failures are avoided. Peter Hoeschele, Vice President of Infrastructure and Industrial Compute at OpenAI, highlighted its importance:
"OCI Zettascale10 network and cluster fabric was developed and deployed first at the flagship Stargate site in Abilene, Texas – our joint supercluster with Oracle. The highly scalable custom RoCE design maximizes fabric-wide performance at gigawatt scale."
OCI also offers bare metal compute instances, eliminating hypervisor overhead for peak performance during demanding model training. These instances come with 61.44 TB of local NVMe SSD capacity, while Oracle-managed Lustre file storage ensures terabytes-per-second throughput for efficient checkpointing during extended training sessions. Together, these features create a seamless foundation for energy and cooling systems to function effectively.
Project Jupiter runs on a dedicated microgrid with a capacity of 700–900 MW, powered by natural gas turbines equipped with advanced pollution controls that exceed EPA standards by 50%. Oracle has also invested in one of the largest battery storage systems globally, ensuring the project operates independently of local utilities without impacting grid reliability or rates. All energy infrastructure costs, including transmission lines, battery storage, and a dedicated substation, are funded by Oracle.
Cooling is managed through a closed-loop, non-evaporative cooling system, which transfers heat to the air without ongoing water use. This design avoids the waste associated with conventional systems. Impressively, Oracle's onsite power generation uses just 1.2 gallons of water per megawatt-hour of electricity, a stark contrast to the 478 gallons per MWh consumed by the regional utility, El Paso Electric. Looking ahead, Oracle plans to secure 500 MW of renewable energy by 2028, increasing to 1 GW by 2032, with a long-term goal of achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.
Oracle's extensive experience in managing mission-critical infrastructure underpins its technical achievements. The company operates 147 active data centers worldwide, with 64 more under construction. This operational expertise ensures the reliability and scalability required for cutting-edge AI workloads. Over a decade of cloud networking advancements, including the Acceleron suite, has enabled Oracle to deliver low-latency, congestion-free communication for zettascale AI training.
The OCI Zettascale10 architecture is the product of years of co-development with NVIDIA, incorporating advanced hardware such as BlueField-3 and BlueField-4 DPUs into the OCI fabric. These components offload infrastructure services, maximizing GPU efficiency. Oracle's approach has garnered significant market validation, with over 30 AI sales contracts worth $12.5 billion signed in Q4 2024 alone. Larry Ellison, Oracle's Chairman and CTO, emphasized the platform's competitive edge:
"Leaders like OpenAI are choosing OCI because it is the world's fastest and most cost-effective AI infrastructure."
Oracle's strategy also includes designing gigawatt-scale campuses with a two-kilometer radius, minimizing GPU-to-GPU latency for massive training workloads. These campuses feature direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems to handle the extreme thermal demands of next-generation GPUs.
Project Jupiter's development phase requires a workforce of approximately 4,000 construction professionals to handle intricate systems like electrical, cooling, networking, and structural elements. These roles come with competitive pay due to their specialized nature:
Daniel Donovan from Skillit highlights the unique challenges of these roles:
"The specialized nature of data center construction requires skilled craftspeople who understand both traditional building techniques and cutting-edge technology infrastructure."
In addition to technical experts, the project relies on skilled project managers and cost estimators to coordinate these diverse teams and ensure the precision necessary for mission-critical systems. For a deeper look into the demands of data center construction, these roles illustrate the complexity of assembling such a workforce.
Finding qualified talent for a rural project in southern New Mexico presents a tough challenge. Doña Ana County’s remote location, coupled with the need for thousands of specialized workers, stretches conventional hiring strategies. A recent survey found that 76% of recruiters report increased hiring demands, yet 63% struggle to find the right candidates.
Standard job postings often fall short in reaching passive candidates, especially when the roles require niche expertise. Recruitment partners like iRecruit.co tackle this issue with targeted strategies tailored for mission-critical construction projects. By tapping into pre-qualified databases of professionals such as construction project managers, MEP specialists, and commissioning experts, they significantly streamline the hiring process:
Additionally, creative engagement strategies make a big difference. Using video content and eye-catching graphics has shown to boost engagement by 250%, helping candidates visualize their role in this groundbreaking project.
To overcome these recruitment hurdles, Oracle has turned to local workforce development. Collaborating with New Mexico State University (NMSU) and Doña Ana Community College (DACC), Oracle is offering specialized training programs to equip local residents for both construction and permanent roles. These programs focus on critical skills like redundant power systems and precision cooling technologies.
The Oracle Academy program is another key initiative, helping residents gain technical expertise for careers in AI and data centers. With construction projected to generate $384 million in annual economic impact during the development phase, building a skilled local workforce is essential. Oracle has already reached out to 120,000 residents in Doña Ana County to inform them about job opportunities and project support.
This approach aligns with Oracle's success in Michigan during the Stargate expansion, where the company partnered with Detroit-based contractor Walbridge to manage over 2,500 union construction jobs in October 2025. By combining local training efforts with experienced contractors, Oracle ensures both workforce readiness and the high standards needed for advanced AI infrastructure projects.
Project Jupiter is designed to operate independently of the local power grid, thanks to its dedicated microgrid. This system relies on natural gas-fired turbines capable of generating 700 to 900 megawatts, combined with a significant battery storage setup. This approach ensures that local residents won't face increased energy costs due to the project.
Josh Pitcock, Senior Vice President at Oracle, highlighted the company's commitment to covering these costs:
"Oracle will pay for the campus's energy costs, funding new onsite transmission lines, battery storage, and a dedicated substation – maintaining energy reliability and ensuring these costs are not passed on to ratepayers."
Beyond energy systems, Oracle's infrastructure investments reflect a broader commitment to regional development and community support.
The project incorporates advanced environmental strategies alongside its energy infrastructure. A key feature is its closed-loop, non-evaporative cooling system. This system recycles water indefinitely, requiring only a one-time fill of approximately 10 million gallons over two years. Daily water use averages 20,000 gallons, with a maximum cap of 60,000 gallons.
The natural gas turbines are equipped with cutting-edge emission controls that surpass EPA standards by 50% or more. Continuous monitoring ensures compliance with air quality regulations. Additionally, the design includes extensive landscape screening and large building setbacks to mitigate noise, keeping it comparable to typical farming operations. Under New Mexico's House Bill 93, the facility is required to transition to 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.
These forward-thinking infrastructure and environmental measures are part of a larger strategy aimed at boosting the local economy and enriching the community.
Impact CategoryConstruction PhaseOperational PhaseAnnual Economic Impact$384.2 million$113 million (direct output)Job Creation~4,000 positionsUp to 1,500 permanent rolesDirect County PaymentsN/A$12 million annually ($360M over 30 years)Tax Revenue (Total)N/AOver $600 million (Gross Revenue Tax)
The project is set to contribute over $600 million in Gross Revenue Tax payments to state and county governments throughout its lifespan. Permanent jobs will offer competitive salaries ranging from $75,000 to $100,000. Oracle has also pledged $6.9 million for community initiatives, including a $1.5 million donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces.
Looking ahead, BorderPlex Digital Assets, the developer behind the project, plans to source 500 megawatts of renewable energy by 2028, with a goal of reaching 1 gigawatt by 2032. This demonstrates a clear focus on sustainable energy while delivering immediate economic benefits to the region.
Oracle's hiring strategies highlight the vital link between cutting-edge infrastructure projects and the development of local talent, a core focus of Project Jupiter. The project demonstrates that recruiting specialized talent is a cornerstone of success for large-scale infrastructure initiatives. During the development phase, Oracle is creating approximately 4,000 construction jobs, with an additional 1,500 permanent positions once the project becomes operational. These roles demand proficiency in both technical and managerial fields.
Beyond its technical advancements, Oracle is actively contributing to local economic growth through contractual commitments to hire locally, incentivized by tax benefits. If Oracle fails to meet its hiring targets, county commissioners retain the authority to withdraw these incentives. This ensures accountability, making recruitment not just a goal but a binding obligation with financial implications.
Oracle has also partnered with local educational institutions to establish robust talent pipelines, aligning with its local hiring commitments. Josh Pitcock, Oracle's Senior Vice President, reaffirmed this dedication:
"We're committed to hiring locally, working alongside trade schools, community colleges, universities, and workforce development organizations to train residents for a career in technology".
In addition to workforce development, Oracle has pledged $6.9 million toward community investments, including education funds specifically aimed at workforce training. These initiatives set a high standard for large-scale projects across the country.
For projects of this magnitude, early engagement with local institutions and targeted recruitment are non-negotiable. Standard hiring practices simply can’t meet the demand for the highly specialized talent needed to support advanced AI infrastructure. Companies must collaborate with recruitment experts who understand the technical challenges, can leverage local workforce programs, and consistently deliver pre-qualified candidates for roles critical to project timelines.
This is where iRecruit.co excels. Specializing in talent acquisition for mission-critical projects, iRecruit.co connects developers with professionals like data center construction managers, commissioning engineers, and technical operations specialists. Their expertise ensures projects like Jupiter can meet workforce goals and stay on track for timely completion.
Oracle's Project Jupiter promises a wave of economic growth and fresh job opportunities for New Mexico, with Doña Ana County poised to benefit the most. During the construction phase, the project is expected to create over 3,000 temporary jobs. Once operational, it will add at least 750 full-time positions, with a long-term forecast of approximately 1,500 permanent roles. These jobs not only represent steady employment but also aim to bring higher-quality opportunities that could strengthen the region's economic foundation.
The project comes with a hefty investment of up to $165 billion, backed by bonds approved by the county. This massive capital injection is likely to stimulate the local economy in several ways. Local suppliers could see a surge in business, industries like housing and renewable energy may experience growth, and Santa Teresa is set to emerge as a major hub for digital infrastructure. Although some concerns about resource usage have been raised, the overall sentiment is that this development could mark a turning point for southern New Mexico's economic landscape.
Project Jupiter's energy systems are built with a focus on sustainability, leveraging low-carbon technologies to minimize their footprint. One standout solution is the use of fuel cells, which produce electricity through chemical reactions. These cells emit very little - mainly water and heat - making them a cleaner alternative to conventional energy sources. This shift helps cut down greenhouse gas emissions in a meaningful way.
Oracle is also adopting renewable energy while exploring cutting-edge options like nuclear and hydrogen power. These advancements not only improve energy efficiency but also reduce dependence on fossil fuels, addressing the broader challenge of climate change. By emphasizing onsite power generation, Oracle is working toward a more dependable and eco-friendly energy setup for its AI-powered data centers.
Project Jupiter is setting a new benchmark for AI innovation in the U.S. by establishing one of the largest and most advanced AI data center campuses. With a staggering $165 billion investment, this initiative is designed to support cutting-edge models from OpenAI and other major players. The campus boasts advanced infrastructure, including micro-grid facilities, natural gas power plants, and battery storage systems, which significantly boost the nation’s ability to train and deploy AI technologies.
Beyond its technological advancements, Project Jupiter is a major driver of economic growth. By attracting industry giants like Oracle and OpenAI, it’s creating jobs and encouraging new developments in the AI sector. As part of a larger effort to expand AI infrastructure across the country, this project underscores the U.S.'s determination to maintain its leadership in the global AI landscape.
