Anthropic and OpenAI seek smaller AI data center deals

9/21/2026

AI data center deals are shrinking as OpenAI and Anthropic seek faster capacity Smaller 20–30 MW sites may boost inference and speed expansion across key regions

Anthropic and OpenAI are exploring smaller data center agreements as they work to expand the computing power needed to run AI systems, according to sources cited by CNBC. The companies have recently pursued large infrastructure projects, but they are now also looking at more modest deployments in the 20 to 30 megawatt range. The smaller deals are being considered in places including the U.K., the Nordics, and possibly the United States. OpenAI said it is building a diversified compute portfolio and evaluates opportunities based on requirements such as performance, reliability, timing, and cost. Industry analysts said these smaller sites can be appealing because they can bring usable capacity online faster than larger projects. The shift also reflects growing demand for AI inference, which can be served by smaller clusters of chips across multiple locations rather than only by massive singlesite builds.