July 4 (Reuters) - Japanese technology investor SoftBank

Group has recently talked with banks about borrowing

money to invest up to $10 billion in energy-related projects,

The Information reported on Thursday.

The group could secure the capital for power-related

investments by securing bank loans and tapping other investors,

the report added, citing a person with direct knowledge of the

discussions.

SoftBank did not immediately respond to a Reuters request

for comment.

The rapid technological advancements around generative

artificial intelligence have spurred growth in energy demand and

data center investments.

SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son said last month the group

would ramp up its power generation business primarily in the

U.S. to supply power to generative AI projects worldwide.

The group has also discussed setting up a special purpose

company that would buy Nvidia ( NVDA ) chips with money borrowed

from banks. That company would in turn lease the chips to

SoftBank, the report added, citing the person.