OpenAI is making waves in Europe with the launch of Stargate Norway, its first AI data center initiative on the continent. This project, as part of the OpenAI for Countries program, aims to empower European communities, businesses, and developers with state-of-the-art AI infrastructure. By establishing a robust compute hub in Norway, OpenAI signals its commitment to unlocking AI’s transformative potential across the region.
Stargate Norway: Building a Sustainable AI Hub
Stargate Norway stands as one of the continent’s most ambitious AI infrastructure investments. Located in Narvik, which boasts abundant hydropower and a mature industrial ecosystem, the center will deliver an initial 230MW of capacity, with plans to add another 290MW. The goal is to deploy 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs by the end of 2026, making it a formidable resource for AI workloads and research.
Strategic Partnerships Power Progress
OpenAI is partnering with Nscale, a top-tier AI infrastructure provider, and Aker, a leading Nordic industrial group. Nscale will design and construct the facility, which will be owned through a 50/50 joint venture with Aker. Together, these organizations bring expertise in cloud infrastructure, energy, and industrial operations, ensuring the center meets both local and regional AI needs.
Empowering Norway and Europe’s AI Ecosystem
Stargate Norway is designed to serve developers, researchers, startups, and enterprises. The rapid growth of ChatGPT users, especially among those under 35, reflects Norway’s increasing appetite for advanced AI tools. The new center is poised to support this demand and encourage further innovation in the national AI landscape.
- Priority access for Norwegian startups and researchers will help nurture local talent and drive homegrown AI innovation.
- Surplus capacity will support public and private users across the UK, Nordics, and Northern Europe, strengthening the regional AI ecosystem.
Commitment to Sustainability and Advanced Technology
Sustainability sits at the core of Stargate Norway’s design. The facility will operate exclusively on renewable energy, leveraging closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling to maximize efficiency. Excess heat from the GPUs will be repurposed for nearby low-carbon enterprises, underscoring a commitment to environmentally responsible growth.
Global Collaboration and Forward Momentum
Stargate Norway is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to deepen global partnerships. Recent milestones include the launch of Stargate UAE, collaboration with the UK government on AI infrastructure, and AI deployments in Estonian schools. OpenAI’s involvement in EU AI Gigafactories also highlights its vision for cross-border, collaborative AI progress.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Regional Impact
As construction ramps up, OpenAI is working with Norwegian officials to explore new collaboration opportunities, particularly around sovereign AI goals. Stargate Norway positions the region at the forefront of AI-driven economic growth, digital empowerment, and sustainable industry development.
Conclusion
Stargate Norway marks a pivotal investment in Europe’s AI landscape—combining technology leadership, strategic alliances, and a sustainability-first mindset. By bolstering local and regional capacity, OpenAI is set to accelerate innovation and create lasting opportunities for communities and industries across Europe.
OpenAI's Stargate Norway: A Bold Step for European AI Innovation