OpenAI to Launch Stargate AI Data Center in Norway to Provide Nvidia GPUs

OpenAI announced on Thursday a Stargate-branded AI data centre in Norway for its debut in Europe, as per CNBC. British firm Nscale will be designing and building the site with the Norwegian energy infrastructure firm, Aker, as a part of an equal partnership. OpenAI’s data centre aims to provide 100,000 Nvidia graphics processing units (GPU) by the end of 2026. OpenAI said that these data centres will run on renewable energy. The AI startup stated in a press release, “with the intention to expand significantly in the years ahead.”

Massive Scale Defines European AI Hub

Stargate’s AI data center project represents a significant leap forward in AI infrastructure development. This facility will provide the computational power needed to train and operate advanced AI models that require enormous processing capabilities beyond what current systems can handle.

In the Norwegian initiative, both Nscale and Aker have pledged approximately $1 billion each toward the project’s first 20MW phase. The facility will be situated in Kvandal, near Narvik in northern Norway. According to the companies, this area offers “abundant hydropower, low local electricity demand, and limited transmission capacity.”

Norwegian government officials have welcomed this investment, seeing it as an opportunity to position the country as a leader in AI technology and sustainable computing infrastructure. The project aligns with Norway’s goals of leveraging its clean energy advantages to attract high-tech industries.

Strategic Partnership Drives Innovation

The OpenAI and Nvidia Norway Project brings together two technology leaders to create unprecedented computing capabilities. This collaboration combines OpenAI’s expertise in artificial intelligence development with Nvidia’s advanced chip technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI research and applications.

Nvidia and OpenAI are not only collaborating on hardware purchases. They’re also working together to fine-tune chip configurations and software systems to get the best performance for specific AI applications. This customized approach could lead to significant improvements in training efficiency and model performance.

The project also includes plans for ongoing research and development activities at the Norwegian facility. This means the data center will not just be a computing resource but also a center for advancing AI technology and exploring new applications.

Infrastructure Investment Shapes AI Future

OpenAI’s Norway AI infrastructure $1 billion project signals a major commitment to European AI development. By establishing such a large facility in Norway, OpenAI is demonstrating confidence in Europe’s ability to support advanced technology projects while meeting sustainability goals. In April 2025, the UK competed for a spot in OpenAI’s Stargate project expansion for a place in the global AI race.

This investment could encourage other AI companies to consider similar projects in the region, potentially creating a cluster of AI development activities. The economic impact on Norway could be substantial, creating jobs and attracting related technology businesses to the area.