In a landmark move for Latin America’s tech landscape, OpenAI and Sur Energy have signed a letter of intent to build a massive AI data center in Argentina, requiring an investment of up to $25 billion, the Argentine government announced Friday.

The project, known as “Stargate Argentina,” would be one of the largest technology and energy infrastructure initiatives in the nation’s history, featuring a 500-megawatt facility designed to power advanced artificial intelligence computing.

Structured under Argentina’s RIGI tax incentive program, the development aims to position the country as a regional hub for next-generation AI infrastructure and renewable-powered innovation.

“We are proud to announce plans to launch Stargate Argentina, an exciting new infrastructure project in partnership with one of the country’s leading energy companies, Sur Energy,”
— OpenAI CEO Sam Altman

Altman added that this marks the first Stargate project in Latin America, highlighting the region as “full of talent, creativity, and ambition.”

The announcement comes as OpenAI, now valued at $500 billion following a recent secondary share sale, continues expanding its global footprint to support its fast-growing user base — over 800 million weekly ChatGPT users.

If completed, Stargate Argentina could reshape the continent’s digital infrastructure and spotlight South America as a key player in the AI revolution.