OpenAI Response to Department of Energy on AI Infrastructure

OpenAI has submitted a response to the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding the development of a public solicitation for private-sector proposals to construct, operate, and decommission AI infrastructure on federal land. The company argues that combining private-sector supercomputing infrastructure with the resources of US National Laboratories is essential for catalyzing American innovation and national security.

Strategic Collaboration with National Laboratories

OpenAI maintains collaborations with US National Laboratories, including a multi-year partnership launched in January 2025 with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). According to LANL Director Thom Mason, this partnership represents "a watershed moment for mission science."

By pairing OpenAI's AI models with national scientific talent and supercomputing infrastructure, the company aims to unlock new avenues of scientific inquiry and deliver economic growth in American communities.

Requirements for Accelerated Infrastructure Deployment

To enable timely capital investments and the construction of AI supercomputer hubs, OpenAI identifies several critical requirements for the following processes:

Streamlined Permitting

OpenAI advocates for accelerated permitting and interconnection processes, whether on public or private lands. Specifically, the company recommends:

  • Categorical exclusions and programmatic reviews for repeatable deployments.
  • Emergency exemptions where appropriate.
  • Shot clocks for assessments and the rest of the required processes.
  • Prioritization of AI-powered permitting tools and surge staffing across key workflows.

Financial and Contractual Frameworks

OpenAI seeks predictable and easy-to-execute lease agreements and innovative approaches to derisk private investment. To accelerate the deployment of critical infrastructure, OpenAI proposes the following federal mechanisms:

  • Competitive electricity tariffs to reduce operational costs.
  • Targeted tax incentives to provide financial mitigation for private investors.

Future Determination on Federal Land Use

While OpenAI supports the general goals of the federal government, the company states that a final determination on whether co-locating infrastructure on public lands will be the most effective path forward will depend on a final review of the public solicitation. The company's primary goal is to ensure that the federal government expedites the progress of supercomputer hubs and the energy generation infrastructure necessary for continued American AI leadership.

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