OpenAI Pauses 8,000-GPU UK Project as Nvidia Shares Slip on Iran Ceasefire Fade
OpenAI has paused its UK Stargate data center project, halting deployment of up to 8,000 GPUs and deferring expansion to 31,000 units due to steep industrial energy costs and regulatory hurdles. Nvidia shares dipped as fading hopes for a ceasefire in the Iran conflict triggered risk-off sentiment among technology stocks.
1. OpenAI Pauses UK Stargate Data Center Project
OpenAI has halted its Stargate build in the UK, citing one of the world’s highest industrial electricity costs and a complex regulatory environment. The partnership with AI cloud firm Nscale and Nvidia was set to deploy 8,000 GPUs initially, with plans to scale to 31,000 GPUs for high-demand sectors, but now awaits improved conditions for long-term infrastructure investment.
2. Nvidia Shares Slip as Iran Ceasefire Hopes Fade
Nvidia stock declined as market sentiment turned cautious following the collapse of expected ceasefire talks in the Iran conflict. The renewed geopolitical tensions prompted a risk-off rotation in technology shares, dampening demand momentum for semiconductors tied to broad market sentiment.