OpenAI is launching its first Stargate data center project in Europe, partnering with developer Nscale Global Holdings and investment group Aker ASA to open a USD 1 billion facility in Norway next year. The artificial intelligence partnership, called Stargate Norway, represents OpenAI's first European facility under its Stargate programme and follows the recent announcement of similar-sized Stargate UAE in the United Arab Emirates.

Project Specifications and Technology

The data center will initially install 100,000 Nvidia processors and could see a tenfold expansion in future phases amid soaring AI demand. The facility will be built near Narvik in northern Norway and will run on Nvidia's advanced GB300 Superchip processors, connected by the U.S. company's high-speed NVLink network technology, according to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in a video presentation.

The gigafactory will be fully powered by renewable energy from local hydropower production. For the initial phase, the project will consume about 20 megawatts of electrical power capacity and have OpenAI as its first customer. Aker is working with local power producer Nordkraft to secure access to enough electricity to allow Stargate to increase its consumption to 230 MW and eventually add a further 290 MW.

Ownership Structure and Investment

Nscale and Aker will jointly own Stargate Norway with 50% stakes each, investing about USD 1 billion for the initial phase of the project. An Aker spokesperson declined to comment on investment costs beyond the initial commitment or a time frame for the additional capacity.

The announcement had an immediate impact on Aker ASA's stock performance. The shares of Norwegian conglomerate Aker ASA rose 11% to a two-year high of 729 Norwegian crowns before paring gains to trade at 717 crowns at 1337 GMT.

Industry Significance and Leadership Statements

The facility will be among the first AI gigafactories in Europe, according to Nscale CEO Josh Payne. "Sovereign, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure is now essential to remain competitive," Payne said in the statement.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the project's regional importance in a video presentation, stating: "Infrastructure like this is really important and unlocks a ton of potential for developers, researchers, scientists, and startups all across Norway and Europe."

The project represents a significant development in Europe's artificial intelligence infrastructure capabilities, marking OpenAI's first major data centre investment on the continent. The facility's design incorporates both advanced processing capabilities and sustainable energy sourcing, positioning it as a model for future AI infrastructure developments in the region.

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