Sam Altman Claims AI Energy Efficiency Exceeds Human Growth During Texas Visit
# 'Frightening' ChatGPT CEO Claims AI Is More Efficient Than Human Growth
## Sam Altman Stirs Controversy Over AI Energy Use
Sam Altman, the chief executive officer of OpenAI Inc., made headlines during a media visit to the Stargate AI data center in Abilene, Texas, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This facility is part of a partnership among OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, with backing from former President Donald Trump, aimed at developing AI infrastructure across the United States.
During the event, Altman made a bold assertion that the energy efficiency of AI surpasses the energy required for human development. Critics were quick to respond, questioning the implications of such a claim. He addressed concerns over AI's energy consumption and stated, "It's fair to be concerned about the energy consumption - not per query, but in total, because the world is now using so much AI. The world needs to move towards nuclear, wind, and solar very quickly."
Despite the backlash, Altman dismissively refuted some accusations regarding the environmental impact of AI, asserting, "Don't use ChatGPT, it's 17 gallons of water for each query or whatever. This is completely untrue, totally insane, no connection to reality."
The Stargate project aims to build essential data centers, positioning itself strategically in the growing AI technology sector.