OpenAI has launched the $2 billion Stargate Norway AI hub, its first European data center, emphasizing sustainability with 100% renewable energy. The facility, located near Narvik, will scale to 290 MW and support over 100,000 Nvidia GPUs by 2026, significantly enhancing Europe’s AI infrastructure. A collaboration with Nscale and Aker, this initiative positions OpenAI strategically within the European AI landscape. While not directly part of the EU’s AI strategy, Norwegian startups and researchers will enjoy prioritized access to computing resources.
Stargate Norway features innovative closed-loop liquid cooling to optimize energy use, with redirected excess heat benefiting local low-carbon industries. This hub indirectly complies with EU regulations, reinforcing sustainable practices in data centers. OpenAI’s entry coincides with the EU’s €30 billion investment in sovereign AI facilities, giving it a competitive edge in meeting increasing AI energy demands, expected to rise tenfold by 2026. This initiative underscores OpenAI’s commitment to fostering European AI capabilities.
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