OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called on the U.S. government to extend tax credits under the CHIPS and Science Act to cover critical components of the artificial intelligence ecosystem, including AI server production, data centers, and power grid infrastructure.
Current Limitations of the CHIPS Act
Altman highlighted that while the CHIPS Act primarily supports semiconductor manufacturing, the AI revolution requires a broader approach. “The infrastructure needed for cutting-edge AI models goes beyond chips,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of enabling the entire computational ecosystem to maintain U.S. competitiveness.
Massive Investment in AI Computing
OpenAI has committed approximately $1.4 trillion over the next eight years to build and maintain AI computing systems. This level of investment underscores the enormous capital required for advanced AI infrastructure and the need for government incentives to support large-scale deployment of servers, storage, and energy resources.
Global AI Race and Strategic Implications
Altman’s appeal comes amid intensifying competition between the U.S., China, and the European Union to secure leadership in artificial intelligence. Governments are racing to invest in chips, compute power, and energy capacity essential for the next generation of AI innovations, making targeted policy support a strategic imperative.
