Introduction to OpenAI’s European Expansion
OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) research and deployment company, has announced Stargate Norway, its first European data center. This new facility will be located in Narvik, a small town in northern Norway, and is set to become OpenAI’s first data center on the continent. The project is a collaboration between OpenAI, Nscale (an AI infrastructure provider), and Aker (a Norwegian energy infrastructure company).
Project Details and Capacity
Stargate Norway will initially offer 230 megawatts (MW) of capacity, with plans to expand by an additional 290 MW. This announcement comes shortly after OpenAI’s partnership with Oracle to generate 4.5 gigawatts of capacity for new data centers in the United States under the Stargate project. The initiative also aligns with OpenAI’s “OpenAI for Countries” program, which aims to promote the development, use, and implementation of AI that upholds democratic principles.
Reasons for Choosing Narvik
Narvik was selected as the site for OpenAI’s first European data center due to its abundant hydroelectric power and low energy costs. The town’s cold climate and industrial base also played a role in the decision. Furthermore, the number of weekly active ChatGPT users in Norway has quadrupled over the past year, with many users being under 35 years old and including thousands of local developers.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Nscale will design the infrastructure for Stargate Norway, while Aker will contribute its energy expertise. The data center will be owned by a joint venture between the two companies, with OpenAI acting as the purchaser. The project aims to deploy 100,000 NVIDIA GPU units by the end of 2026.
Efficiency and Sustainability
OpenAI plans to implement direct-to-chip liquid cooling for maximum efficiency and utilize excess GPU heat to support low-carbon emission companies in the region. Nscale and Aker will prioritize access to Norway’s AI ecosystem, enabling local startups and researchers to benefit from this additional computational capacity. Excess capacity will be available to the United Kingdom, Nordic countries, and northern Europe.
Government Collaboration
During its time in Norway, OpenAI will collaborate with Norwegian government officials to support AI adoption and help Norway meet its AI objectives.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is OpenAI’s first European data center? Stargate Norway, located in Narvik, Norway.
- Who are OpenAI’s partners for this project? Nscale (AI infrastructure provider) and Aker (Norwegian energy infrastructure company).
- What is the initial capacity of Stargate Norway? 230 MW, with plans to expand to 290 MW.
- Why was Narvik chosen as the location? Abundant hydroelectric power, low energy costs, cold climate, and industrial base.
- What is the goal for GPU deployment? 100,000 NVIDIA GPU units by the end of 2026.
- How will excess capacity be utilized? Prioritized access for Norwegian AI ecosystem, with excess available to the UK, Nordic countries, and northern Europe.
- What is OpenAI’s role in Norwegian government collaboration? Support AI adoption and help Norway meet its AI objectives.
