OpenAI is launching its first AI data center in Europe, named Stargate Norway, in partnership with Norwegian energy firm Aker and British AI infrastructure provider Nscale. The facility, located near Narvik in northern Norway, will initially deliver 230 megawatts of capacity, with plans to expand to 290 megawatts. By the end of 2026, the center aims to house 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs, supporting OpenAI’s AI models and services in Europe.
The project is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to enhance its global AI infrastructure and support the growing demand for AI services. Norway’s abundant renewable energy resources, including hydropower, and its cool climate make it an ideal location for such a data center. The facility will run entirely on renewable power and is expected to incorporate closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling to ensure maximum cooling efficiency. Additionally, excess heat from the GPU systems will be made available to support low-carbon enterprises in the region.
Stargate Norway is expected to play a significant role in advancing Europe’s AI capabilities, providing local startups, researchers, and developers with access to high-performance computing resources. The project also aligns with the European Union’s efforts to achieve AI sovereignty and invest in data centers and compute power.
