Tech firms OpenAI and Nvidia are reportedly preparing to unveil multi-billion-pound investment in UK data centres during US President Donald Trump’s forthcoming state visit. Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, and Nvidia boss Jensen Huang are understood to be working alongside London-based operator Nscale Global Holdings on the initiative, according to Bloomberg.
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The two executives are expected to join a wider delegation of US business leaders visiting Britain, with the data centre pledge anticipated to form part of a series of investment announcements by American companies. It is thought the UK Government would provide energy for the project, while OpenAI would supply access to its artificial intelligence tools and Nvidia the chips required to power advanced models.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer set out an action plan in January aimed at establishing the UK as an AI “superpower”. The strategy includes designated “growth zones” to accelerate planning approvals for new data centres and to ease pressure on the national grid. He has previously described such facilities as “critical national infrastructure” and committed to expanding their development.
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The Government hopes that securing major investment will encourage wider adoption of AI across Whitehall, with the aim of boosting efficiency and reducing costs. In July, OpenAI signed a memorandum of understanding with ministers to explore the UK’s infrastructure requirements and other areas of collaboration. OpenAI and Nvidia declined to comment on the reports, while Nscale has also been approached for a response.
