BlackRock and Microsoft expand AI infrastructure partnership
Tech Giants boost AI infrastructure with $100 billion partnership
BlackRock Inc. announced significant updates to the AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), a collective initiative aimed at developing next-generation AI data centers and energy solutions.
The partnership, which initially began with BlackRock’s subsidiary, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), and tech giants Microsoft Corp. and MGX, is now expanding by bringing in additional influential players. Joining the collaboration are NVIDIA Corp. and Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, further solidifying the initiative's leadership in the AI infrastructure sector, reports Benzinga.
Key Role of NVIDIA and xAI
NVIDIA has been a key partner, continuing its role as a technical advisor for the AIP. The company will contribute its deep expertise in AI computing and hardware, which is crucial for the development of AI data center infrastructure.
NVIDIA’s advanced products, including Blackwell Ultra and Rubin, are central to the success of the initiative, as they provide cutting-edge technology that enables the deployment of more powerful and efficient GPUs.
With each new generation of products, such as from Hopper in 2022 to Blackwell in 2024, NVIDIA has consistently delivered a fourfold increase in AI computing power, further boosting the capabilities of the data centers involved in the project.
xAI, led by Elon Musk, will also play a significant role in the development of AI infrastructure, reinforcing the partnership’s strategic importance in advancing AI technology and ensuring the initiative's competitiveness on a global scale.
Energy Solutions and New Partnerships
The AIP's efforts are further supported by the inclusion of GE Vernova Inc. and NextEra Energy Inc., two companies with extensive experience in energy solutions. GE Vernova will contribute to supply chain planning and deliver innovative energy solutions that are essential for supporting the growing demand for energy-efficient AI data centers.
Since its inception in September 2024, the AIP has attracted strong interest from both investors and corporations. With an initial target of unlocking $30 billion in capital, the partnership now expects to generate up to $100 billion in total investment, including debt financing. These funds will be directed toward building critical AI infrastructure, which will not only drive economic growth but also advance digital and energy capabilities on a global scale.
The partnership’s investments will initially focus on the development of AI data centers in the United States and other OECD countries. However, the long-term vision of the AIP includes global expansion, meeting the rapidly growing demands for AI infrastructure worldwide.
With the support of these high-profile partners, the AIP is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the AI and energy sectors, paving the way for a more advanced, energy-efficient future.
Recently we wrote that Microsoft is committing an additional $700 million to enhance Poland’s cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with the Polish armed forces.
