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Anthropic strikes $3.4B deal to generate gas-fired power for data centres

ft.com42 points29 comments
Screenshot of Anthropic strikes $3.4B deal to generate gas-fired power for data centres

Anthropic committed $3.4bn to secure 1.7 gigawatts of gas-fired generators, making it the largest known single power-equipment purchase by an AI lab. The deal transfers to Anthropic orders OnePWR Solutions had placed with Caterpillar, including equipment that can be delivered in the near term and over the next two years, along with engineering and construction capabilities for installation. Anthropic did not buy OnePWR, and its employees did not move to the AI company. The transaction reflects how scarce generators and multiyear manufacturing queues are pushing AI developers beyond their traditional reliance on utilities and power specialists. By securing equipment directly, they can gain faster access to electricity and reduce dependence on intermediaries. Other technology companies are taking similar steps: xAI has bought mobile gas turbines, while Alphabet acquired energy developer Intersect.

The purchase is part of Anthropic’s effort to control more of the infrastructure behind its growth. The company has disclosed nearly $900bn in computing commitments through 2045, relying heavily on partners for power, chips, data centres and land, often paying a premium to reserve capacity. Anthropic also leases computing capacity from SpaceX, with monthly payments expected to reach $3.1bn by year-end. Owning generators could help protect its operations from supply disruptions, but it adds substantial financial and execution demands as the company prepares for a possible public listing. Anthropic is seeking financing for enormous infrastructure spending, and Blackstone has warned investors that the company could receive a junk credit rating rather than the investment-grade rating previously anticipated.

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