How Will OpenAI Build AI Gigafactory Data Centre in Norway?
Stargate Norway is OpenAI’s maiden AI data centre initiative in Europe under the OpenAI for Countries programme.
As part of the company’s broader long-term vision of delivering AI to everyone, the new Stargate project aims to enhance large-scale compute capacity in Europe to offer transformational benefits to people and communities alongside researchers, developers, scientists and start-ups across the continent.
This major new AI infrastructure project, is set to bring 100,000 Nvidia GPUs and 230MW of renewable-powered data centre capacity to Narvik, Northern Norway.
The initiative is led by Nscale Global Holdings in partnership with industrial investment company Aker and OpenAI.
Located in Kvandal, just outside Narvik, the new campus is planned as a sovereign AI gigafactory for Europe.
Backed by approximately US$1bn in early-phase funding for the initial 20MW phase of the project, Stargate Norway is designed to serve large scale AI workloads, with scope to eventually expand to 520MW as customer demand grows.
"Announcing Stargate Norway and delivering one of the first European AI Gigafactory to market is a strategic milestone for the region and boosts its role in the global AI landscape," says Josh Payne, CEO of Nscale.
“Sovereign, scalable and sustainable infrastructure is now essential to remain competitive. We’re proud to partner with Aker, drawing on the team’s extensive experience and impressive track record, to deliver a new generation of AI economic and productivity growth in Europe.”
Sovereign infrastructure powered by clean energy
Stargate Norway is designed to bring:
- 230MW of data centre capacity in its first phase, with plans to expand by an additional 290MW
- 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs by the end of 2026
- Closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling for maximum energy efficiency
- A fully renewable energy model, powered by abundant local hydropower
- Reuse of waste heat to support low-carbon businesses in the region
The site’s location in Northern Norway offers advantages that align closely with data centre sustainability and scalability goals.
These include cool ambient temperatures, industrial readiness and one of the lowest energy price points in Europe due to surplus hydropower and limited local demand.
“Norway has a proud history of turning clean, renewable energy into industrial value, powering global industries like aluminium and fertiliser,” says Øyvind Eriksen, President & CEO of Aker. "Today, artificial intelligence and advanced data operations represent the next wave of value creation.
“Northern Norway, with its surplus of clean energy, available capacity and industrial readiness, is the ideal launchpad for this transformation.
“With Stargate Norway, we’re creating new jobs, activity and long-term opportunities in Narvik and the region.”
The site will be designed and delivered by Nscale and operated through a 50/50 joint venture between Nscale and Aker.
The joint venture will be formed through wholly owned subsidiaries of Aker following its planned merger with Aker Horizons. Both parties are contributing upwards of US$250m in equity and will co-fund the initial phase, which totals around US$1bn.
Expansion strategy linked to OpenAI and regional AI growth
Stargate Norway will serve as a key node in OpenAI’s 'OpenAI for Countries' programme. As an initial offtaker, OpenAI has an option to scale its use of the facility as further phases are developed.
The partnership is intended to align with European regulatory frameworks, supporting sovereign and scalable compute infrastructure across the continent.
“Europe needs more compute to realise the full potential of AI for all Europeans — from developers and researchers to startups and scientists,” says Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.
“Stargate Norway will help provide the compute power to drive the next wave of AI breakthroughs and economic progress for Europe, in Europe.”
The facility is expected to enable national and regional digital strategies while offering surplus capacity to customers across the UK, Nordics and Northern Europe.
Nscale and Aker will also provide priority access to local start-ups and researchers, supporting Norway’s ambition to become a competitive force in the global AI landscape.
Josh adds: “Together, we are combining OpenAI’s leading models with Nscale’s vertically integrated AI cloud, to provide the sustainable infrastructure necessary to support public benefit, build industrial resilience and enable long-term regional innovation.”
