OpenAI to Launch First European Data Centre in Norway, Partnering with Nscale Global Holdings and Aker ASA

OpenAI is building its first European data centre in Norway, partnering with Nscale Global Holdings and Aker ASA. The $1 billion facility, called Stargate Norway, will be powered by renewable energy and initially install 100,000 Nvidia processors. The centre could expand tenfold in future phases amid soaring AI demand. The project is part of OpenAI's Stargate programme and follows the announcement of a similar facility in the UAE.

OpenAI has announced plans to build its first European data centre in Norway, partnering with Nscale Global Holdings and Aker ASA. The $1 billion facility, named Stargate Norway, will be powered by renewable energy and will initially install 100,000 Nvidia processors by the end of 2026 [1].

Located in Kvandal, just outside Narvik, the site has been selected for its abundant hydropower resources, low local electricity demand, and cool climate, making it an ideal location for large-scale data operations. The facility is projected to generate significant activity and a long-term operational presence in the Narvik region [1].

Stargate Norway will be jointly owned by Nscale and Aker in a 50/50 partnership. The initial investment for the first phase is approximately $1 billion, with plans to expand by an additional 290 MW in future phases [2]. The facility will utilize Nvidia's advanced GB300 Superchip processors and employ closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology to enhance energy efficiency [2].

The project is part of OpenAI's Stargate programme and follows the announcement of a similar facility in the UAE. It aims to provide secure, scalable, and energy-efficient infrastructure for sovereign AI workloads across Europe, fully aligned with European regulatory frameworks [1].

OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, stated, "Europe needs more compute to realize the full potential of AI for all Europeans, and we want to help make that happen" [1]. The consortium behind Stargate Norway has made long-term sustainability a core principle of the project, with the facility expected to incorporate closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling and recycle excess GPU-generated heat to support low-carbon enterprises in the region [1].

The project has the potential to increase the site's capacity tenfold in future phases, following the soaring demand for AI infrastructure [2]. This initiative aligns with Europe's push for "sovereign AI," which requires data centers and AI workloads to be located and processed on European soil [1].

References:
[1] https://www.nscale.com/press-releases/stargate-norway-nscale-aker-openai
[2] https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/open-ai-aker-and-nscale-to-build-1-billion-ai-facility-in-norway-18490/