OpenAI Launches Norway AI Data Center to Boost Global AI Infrastructure and Sustainability

OpenAI has announced its first European artificial intelligence (AI) data center, Stargate Norway, marking a significant expansion of its global AI infrastructure. The project, a 50/50 joint venture between UK-based AI cloud infrastructure firm Nscale and Norwegian energy infrastructure company Aker, will be located near Narvik in northern Norway. Nscale will lead the design and construction, while OpenAI will serve as the primary off-taker of the data center’s capacity [1].

The location was chosen for several strategic reasons. Norway’s abundant hydropower ensures that the data center will operate entirely on renewable energy, aligning with global sustainability goals. The region’s cool climate also supports efficient cooling methods, such as closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling. Additionally, the area offers a mature industrial base that provides essential logistical and technical support for large-scale infrastructure projects [1].

The initial phase of Stargate Norway is projected to deliver 230 megawatts (MW) of capacity, with plans to expand to 290 MW. The facility is expected to house 100,000 Nvidia GPUs by the end of 2026, significantly boosting compute power for AI development. The first 20 MW segment has already received $1 billion in investment from both Nscale and Aker, underscoring the project’s financial and strategic importance [1].

This development is part of a broader European effort to enhance AI sovereignty and build homegrown AI infrastructure. The European Union has outlined a multi-billion-euro plan to invest in 13 “AI factories” across the continent, with an initial commitment of 20 billion euros. The EU’s AI Act, which became effective in August 2024, requires data centers to implement environmental protection and transparency measures. Stargate Norway’s commitment to utilizing waste heat for local low-carbon enterprises aligns with the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive, which emphasizes sustainability within the ICT sector [1].

Nscale CEO Josh Payne has noted that one of the project’s goals is to leverage European sovereign compute power, supporting the continent’s strategic and economic interests. Local AI startups and researchers in Norway will also have priority access to the facility, fostering domestic innovation and reducing dependency on external providers [1].

OpenAI’s expansion into Norway follows similar high-profile investments in the U.S., the UAE, and the UK. In the U.S., OpenAI has partnered with Oracle and Softbank on a $500 billion initiative to build 10 gigawatts of AI infrastructure over four years. The Stargate UAE project, launched earlier this year, signals OpenAI’s growing presence in the Middle East. A recent agreement with the UK government further underscores the company’s global strategy to strengthen its AI infrastructure [1].

OpenAI’s push for greater compute power reflects the increasing complexity of AI models and the need for more robust and sustainable infrastructure. The Norwegian facility not only supports the development of advanced AI but also sets a model for environmentally responsible data center operations. As AI continues to evolve, such projects are becoming foundational to progress in fields like blockchain, decentralized computing, and digital innovation more broadly [1].

By establishing Stargate Norway, OpenAI reinforces its role as a leader in global AI infrastructure. The project underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration and highlights how strategic regional advantages—such as renewable energy and efficient cooling—can be harnessed to support cutting-edge technology. This move also contributes to Europe’s broader goal of achieving technological self-sufficiency and securing its digital future [1].

Source: [1] OpenAI’s Bold European Leap: First AI Data Center Arrives in Norway (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688b8869d9e6f441cde31432/)