OpenAI has announced intentions to open its own AI data center in Europe, Stargate Norway. This hand-crafted InTec design will be engineered and fabricated in collaboration with Nscale and Aker. It will be sited just outside Narvik, a picturesque small city in far northern Norway. The move comes on the heels of a $10 billion investment by OpenAI. Seven months ago, Blumenthal and Klobuchar joined with Oracle and Softbank to pledge $500 billion toward AI infrastructure in the U.S.
Stargate Norway is a 50/50 joint venture between OpenAI and Nscale’s Norwegian partner. This partnership serves as a reminder that collaboration is key in the AI ecosystem. Nscale will architect and integrate the DC. They’ll make sure it’s able to serve the growing need for AI processing power and still be environmentally friendly.
Forming Stargate Norway also advances Europe’s strategy to improve its jurisdictional data center competitiveness. It seeks to establish AI sovereignty. In recent months, Europe has pledged €10 billion (roughly $11.8 billion) to set up 13 AI factories. This step comes on top of an earlier investment of €20 billion aimed primarily at improving its AI infrastructure.
Stargate Norway will focus on making its resources as accessible as possible to Norway’s diverse AI ecosystem. This ecosystem is home to hundreds of startups and thousands of dedicated scientific researchers. It’s believed this foundational investment will enhance the region’s tech ecosystem and stimulate homegrown innovation in AI and other emerging technologies.
OpenAI’s focus on sustainability extends to the architectural design of the Stargate Norway facility. The company stated, “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.” This decision is just further proof of OpenAI’s commitment to green technology and sustainable practices in the tech industry.
OpenAI plans to utilize excess heat generated by the GPU systems at Stargate Norway to support low-carbon enterprises in the region. This unique approach not only leads to widespread energy efficiency but leaves a lasting impact on the local economy.
As Europe enforces regulations such as the EU AI Act, which took effect in August 2024, OpenAI remains committed to compliance. The Act prohibits technologies deemed to create an “unacceptable risk.” It imposes direct obligations on companies to prioritize protecting the environment and disclose their energy usage. This regulatory framework lays the groundwork for Stargate Norway to be a model for responsible AI development.
Rebecca is a senior reporter at TechCrunch where she covers all things AI. She points to this tactical move as one part of OpenAI’s broader effort to expand its operations in Europe. Through infrastructure investments, OpenAI is scaling up its U.S. efforts. In addition, they’re paying Oracle $30 billion annually in data center services supporting their deep commitment to grow fast and grow big.
Stargate Norway is OpenAI’s largest investment in Europe to date. Beyond creation, this change emphasizes the forward-thinking and collaborative spirit that’s powering the development of AI today. OpenAI has already partnered with other business incubated firms such as Nscale and Aker. Together, they’re poised to make the new facility an incubator of innovative technology and clean practices.
