Nebius’ First Gigawatt-Scale AI Factory Approved

Newsroom/Nebius has received the green light from the Independence City Council in Missouri to move forward with the establishment of its newest AI factory. This facility, located in Independence, is set to be the largest of its kind in the United States, with an impressive potential capacity of up to 1.2 GW.

Arkady Volozh, the CEO of Nebius, expressed his enthusiasm for this project, highlighting the company’s dedication to making it a source of pride for the city. He emphasized that while this is their first venture of such magnitude, it certainly won’t be their last.

Nebius views the Independence AI factory as pivotal to its long-term growth in the US, building on its existing presence in the Kansas City area. The company has made a commitment to transparency and outlined plans to ensure that the local community benefits from the project over its lifespan.

John Sutter, VP US Public Affairs at Nebius, underscored the company’s approach of creating AI infrastructure at scale while prioritizing the well-being of the communities where they operate. He expressed gratitude towards supporters of the project, emphasizing Nebius’s intention to earn the trust of Independence residents through tangible outcomes rather than mere promises.

The AI factory project encompasses a multi-building campus spanning approximately 400 acres. It is projected to generate around 1,200 skilled construction jobs, predominantly within local building trades, along with roughly 130 permanent high-tech positions once operational. The factory will feature a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water consumption, and noise-reduction technology will be integrated throughout the campus. Additionally, the facility will be linked to Independence Power & Light (IPL) without impacting residential power rates.

Under the approved agreement, Nebius will make Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) expected to contribute over $650 million to the city, local school districts, and other taxing jurisdictions over a 20-year period. The company has also outlined a comprehensive community benefits plan, including initiatives such as STEM and AI literacy programs for local schools, workforce development, and ongoing engagement with the residents through the Community Engagement Panel.

Nebius’s dedication to environmental sustainability and community enrichment aligns with its broader mission of building a robust AI infrastructure while fostering positive relationships with the areas it serves. The company’s commitment to this endeavor signifies a significant step forward in its journey towards shaping the future of AI technology.