OpenAI to Open First European AI Data Center in Norway
▼ Summary
– OpenAI announced Stargate Norway, its first European AI data center, in partnership with Nscale and Aker, leveraging renewable energy and Norway’s infrastructure.
– The project is a 50/50 joint venture between Nscale and Aker, with OpenAI as an “off-taker” purchasing capacity from the facility.
– Europe is investing heavily in AI sovereignty, with the EU committing €30 billion for AI factories, though Stargate Norway is separate from these plans.
– Nscale and Aker each pledged $1 billion for the initial 20 MW phase, with the center set to deliver 230 MW initially and expand to 290 MW by 2026.
– The data center will prioritize Norway’s AI ecosystem, run on renewable energy, and use advanced cooling systems while complying with EU environmental regulations.
OpenAI is set to establish its first European AI data center in Norway, marking a significant expansion of its global infrastructure. The facility, named Stargate Norway, will be developed in collaboration with British AI cloud infrastructure provider Nscale and Norwegian energy firm Aker. This joint venture represents a strategic move to strengthen Europe’s AI capabilities while prioritizing sustainability and local innovation.
The data center will operate as a 50/50 partnership between Nscale and Aker, with OpenAI securing capacity as an off-taker. Located near Narvik in northern Norway, the site was chosen for its abundant hydropower resources, cool climate, and established industrial infrastructure. These factors make it an ideal location for energy-efficient AI operations. Initial plans outline a 230 MW capacity, scaling up to 290 MW, powered by 100,000 Nvidia GPUs by late 2026.
Norway’s AI startups and researchers will receive priority access to the facility, aligning with broader European efforts to foster homegrown AI development. While the project operates independently of the EU’s recent €30 billion AI infrastructure initiative, it supports the continent’s push for technological sovereignty. Nscale’s CEO emphasized the goal of leveraging European-controlled compute resources to benefit regional innovation.
Sustainability sits at the core of Stargate Norway’s design. The facility will rely entirely on renewable energy and incorporate advanced cooling systems to maximize efficiency. Excess heat generated by GPU clusters will be repurposed to support low-carbon industries nearby, adhering to both environmental best practices and EU regulations on energy recovery.
This announcement follows OpenAI’s recent global infrastructure investments, including a $500 billion U.S. initiative and partnerships in the UAE and UK. The Norway project underscores the growing demand for high-performance AI compute while addressing critical concerns around energy use and data sovereignty. As AI adoption accelerates, such developments highlight the balance between technological advancement and responsible infrastructure planning.
(Source: TechCrunch)
