OpenAI has announced plans to set up its first European AI data centre in Norway, marking a major step in expanding its global infrastructure. The project, called Stargate Norway, will be a collaboration with UK-based AI cloud provider Nscale and Norwegian energy company Aker. The centre will be built in Narvik, a location chosen for its access to renewable energy, cool climate, and strong industrial base.
Nscale will handle the design and construction of the facility, while OpenAI will act as an “off-taker,” purchasing computing power from the data centre. This partnership supports Europe’s growing push for AI sovereignty and improved access to local computing resources. It also reflects the region’s commitment to developing its own technology infrastructure to support research, startups, and innovation.
Nscale, Aker ASA, and OpenAI are launching Stargate Norway, an NVIDIA GPU AI gigafactory in Narvik, Northern Norway.
Powered by 100% renewable energy, the facility will provide secure and scalable infrastructure for sovereign AI workloads, with plans to support up to 100,000… pic.twitter.com/AV02oUZcLY
— NVIDIA Europe (@NVIDIAEU) July 31, 2025
Stargate Norway will operate entirely on renewable hydropower and use advanced cooling systems to maintain energy efficiency. The centre will begin operations with a 230-megawatt capacity, which is expected to rise to 290 megawatts by 2026. OpenAI plans to use up to 100,000 Nvidia GPUs at the site, demonstrating its long-term investment in scalable and sustainable AI technology.
Moreover, the $1 billion project aligns with the European Union’s focus on energy-efficient practices and regulatory transparency. To support the local economy and climate goals, excess heat from the GPUs will be redirected to low-carbon businesses in the surrounding area. This move highlights the facility’s eco-friendly design and responsible energy use.
OpenAI to launch AI data center in Norway, its first in Europe | TechCrunch https://t.co/4CKXnU7hoR
— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) July 31, 2025
The project is not only a technological milestone but also a step forward in making AI infrastructure greener and more globally distributed. It adds to OpenAI’s recent global investments in countries like the United States, the UAE, and the UK. Stargate Norway positions Europe as a stronger player in the international AI race.
With this development, OpenAI is setting a new standard for combining artificial intelligence and environmental responsibility. The facility is expected to serve both private and public sectors while strengthening Europe’s digital independence in the AI era.