Odd Lots James van Geelen on the Next Phase of the AI Buildout
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Oct 6, 2025 
James Van Geelen, founder of Citrini Research, dives deep into the evolving landscape of AI infrastructure. He shares insights from his recent visit to OpenAI's massive Stargate data center in Abilene, Texas, detailing how companies like Oracle, NVIDIA, and Saudi investors are fueling its growth. Discussions also cover the complex financing structures supporting these mega projects, energy needs, and potential risks of an AI bubble. Plus, he explores emerging trends in robotics and storage that are poised to reshape the market!
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On-the-Ground Drone Verification
- James van Geelen flew drones and inspected OpenAI's Stargate site in Abilene, Texas to verify rapid construction.
- He found a facility the size of lower Manhattan with major hyperscaler involvement and half-a-trillion planned investment.
Power Comes First At Hyperscale Sites
- Stargate built its own on-site natural gas turbines to guarantee power supply.
- The site uses simple-cycle 35 MW turbines from GE Vranova and Solar Turbines due to supply and time constraints.
Massive Local Labor Pull
- The build-out requires thousands of specialized workers and creates intense local labor demand.
- James counted roughly 7,000 people on-site and noted every local HVAC, fiber, and electrical technician was mobilized.