OpenAI: How a 3.2GW AI Campus in Georgia is Community-First

It is no surprise that as hyperscale campuses grow in scale, developers are also being expected to prove they can support the communities around them.

This value is at the very core of OpenAI's approach to Project Camellia, a proposed 3.2GW AI data centre campus in Effingham County, Georgia.

Alongside one of the largest AI infrastructure projects announced in the US, the company has unveiled a series of commitments covering electricity, water, local investment and accountability.

Designed to receive power in phases between 2028 and 2032, the campus is expected to support next-generation AI computing while creating thousands of construction and permanent jobs in southeast Georgia.

That includes Codex funding for college and school students to support their future careers.

Why is OpenAI leading with community commitments?

OpenAI has outlined how it intends to work alongside local residents throughout the entirety of the project's development.

The company has pledged US$80m in community benefits over the lifetime of the project, supporting priorities including schools, workforce training, healthcare, housing, public safety, utilities, veterans' services and small businesses.

The funding sits alongside hundreds of millions of dollars in projected state and local tax revenue, with OpenAI expecting to become Effingham County's largest taxpayer.

It will also make up to US$71m in Codex credits available to eligible Georgia college and technical school students, helping them gain hands-on experience with OpenAI's coding tool through ChatGPT.

Susan Kraut, President & CEO of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, says: "Project Camellia is exactly the kind of investment our community needs.

"Its development can create real opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, workers and small businesses, helping more of the project's economic benefits stay right here in Effingham County.

"Over the long term, it can also help diversify our county's revenue base, support essential services and infrastructure, and reduce pressure on homeowners and businesses as our community continues to grow.

"That is why I believe this project is such an important opportunity for Effingham County."

OpenAI plans to publish annual independent audits and develop a Georgia Community Compact shaped through consultation with residents and local organisations.

How will the campus avoid putting pressure on the grid?

While the project will eventually require 3.2GW of electricity, OpenAI says Georgia households will not shoulder the cost.

Under Georgia Public Service Commission rules, the company will pay the full infrastructure and electrical service costs needed to connect the campus, preventing those costs from being passed on to existing customers.

The agreement also includes up to 1,000MW of flexible demand response.

During periods of peak demand, Georgia Power will be able to reduce electricity delivered to the facility, helping maintain grid stability while reducing the need for additional generation capacity.

Georgia Power says the 25-year arrangement represents one of the largest single-facility demand response commitments in the US.

Aaron Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth for Georgia Power, says: "We appreciate the leadership and thoughtfulness of the OpenAI team as they prepare to bring significant investment and cutting-edge technology to Georgia.

"At Georgia Power, we are working every day to help ensure that growth from data centers and other large-energy users brings value for our customers through higher reliability and lower prices.

"Companies like OpenAI are making real commitments when it comes to responsible operation and development and demonstrating the benefits that these facilities can bring to Georgia communities.

"We're excited to work with OpenAI, Effingham County and local partners on this significant project."

How will OpenAI minimise water consumption?

Alongside electricity demand, water consumption has become one of the most closely watched aspects of hyperscale AI infrastructure.

Project Camellia will use a closed-loop cooling system that recirculates water instead of continuously withdrawing fresh supplies.

According to OpenAI, ongoing water demand will primarily support workplace facilities such as kitchens, restrooms, sanitation and maintenance rather than large-scale operational consumption.

The proposed campus will also occupy a site within the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, an existing industrially zoned development.

OpenAI says the project is expected to generate less traffic than a warehouse development on the same site while using less water and creating stronger long-term tax revenue.

What could Project Camellia mean for Effingham County?

Alongside the campus itself, OpenAI expects the development to create thousands of construction jobs and permanent on-site roles while prioritising local contractors and businesses.

Brandt Herndon, CEO of ECIDA, says: "Economic development is about attracting companies that create lasting value for the community.

"We support the County's efforts to roll back taxes for residents, and we believe the revenue generated by this project can help advance that goal.

"Based on our focused analysis and close collaboration with the Effingham County School District and the Effingham County Board of Commissioners during initial feasibility discussions, we are confident this company will be an engaged community partner, a responsible steward of its investment and an important contributor to Effingham County's continued prosperity."

OpenAI says it has already begun meeting with state and local officials and organisations. Public consultations will help shape how the project develops over the coming years.

Significant work remains on infrastructure, financing, design and project phasing before power begins to come online between 2028 and 2032.