OpenAI to Launch First European AI Data Center in Norway
OpenAI is making a major move into Europe with the launch of Stargate Norway, its first AI data center on the continent. The facility, developed in partnership with British AI cloud provider Nscale and Norwegian energy infrastructure firm Aker, marks a significant step in supporting AI sovereignty and the growing demand for compute power in Europe. The new center will give Norwegian startups, researchers, and AI-driven enterprises priority access to cutting-edge infrastructure. For businesses and governments across the continent, this development signals a critical investment in secure, sustainable AI computing.
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OpenAI Data Center in Norway: A Boost for AI Sovereignty
The launch of Stargate Norway aligns with Europe’s ambitious plan to strengthen AI sovereignty. Recently, the European Union announced a multibillion-euro investment aimed at building 13 AI factories and enhancing domestic compute capacity. While OpenAI’s data center is not part of the EU’s official plan, its presence will help accelerate Europe’s AI ecosystem by offering localized, secure data processing. Data sovereignty is a top priority for the region, as businesses and governments increasingly require sensitive information to remain under European jurisdiction.
Nscale and OpenAI have committed to delivering a world-class infrastructure that leverages European sovereign compute. This initiative will allow Norway’s AI researchers and startups to access critical resources faster, positioning the country as a hub for innovation in the global AI race.
Stargate Norway Infrastructure: Renewable, Scalable, and High-Performance
Stargate Norway will initially provide 230 MW of compute power, with plans to scale up to 290 MW. Powered entirely by renewable energy from Norway’s vast hydropower resources, the facility will feature 100,000 Nvidia GPUs by the end of 2026. The data center will also integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling, to maximize energy efficiency. Notably, excess heat generated by the GPUs will be repurposed to support low-carbon enterprises in the surrounding region, creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both industry and the environment.
Financially, the first 20 MW phase of the project involves approximately $2 billion in combined commitments from Nscale and Aker. This initial phase is just the beginning of a multi-stage rollout designed to meet the rapidly increasing demand for generative AI and high-performance computing across Europe.
Impact on Europe’s AI Ecosystem and Future Growth
The launch of OpenAI’s first European AI data center represents more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a strategic move that could reshape the continent’s AI landscape. By providing local compute resources, Stargate Norway will reduce reliance on non-European data centers, improving security and compliance for AI-driven businesses. It also positions Norway as a future leader in AI research and sustainable data processing, creating opportunities for collaborations with universities, startups, and enterprise partners.
As AI adoption continues to grow, the need for scalable, energy-efficient compute facilities will only increase. With Stargate Norway, OpenAI is setting a new standard for responsible AI infrastructure, combining performance, sustainability, and regional sovereignty. Europe’s AI race is intensifying, and Norway’s role in hosting this facility puts it at the forefront of innovation in 2025 and beyond.
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