OpenAI: Stargate Norway Becoming the EU’s AI Gigafactory
Stargate Norway is OpenAI’s pioneering AI data centre project in Europe under the ‘OpenAI for Countries’ programme – seeking to expand compute capacity in Europe, providing transformative capabilities to the continent's researchers, developers, scientists and start-ups.
Located near Narvik, Northern Norway, the Stargate Norway project now plans to house 100,000 Nvidia GPUs and 230MW of renewable data centre capacity, backed by strategic players Nscale Global Holdings, Aker and OpenAI.
“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.
How sovereign infrastructure empowers AI
The site’s location in Northern Norway offers key advantages aligned with data centre sustainability and scalability goals, including cool ambient temperatures, high industrial readiness and low energy costs due to abundant hydropower availability.
“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, AI and advanced data operations represent the next wave of value creation.
- 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
He adds: “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 development will be executed by Nscale and operated via a joint venture with Aker, involving subsidiary companies of Aker post its merger with Aker Horizons.
Both parties are expected to contribute at least US$250m each, co-funding the initial US$1bn phase.
The roles of strategic expansion and regional impact
Stargate Norway is set to be a critical component of OpenAI’s ‘OpenAI for Countries’ initiative.
OpenAI may also increase its use of the facility as subsequent phases are completed – aligning with European regulatory objectives, supporting sovereign, expandable compute infrastructure across the region.
“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 infrastructure is designed to support national and regional digital strategies while offering surplus capabilities to clients across the UK, Nordics and Northern Europe.
By providing priority access to local startups and researchers, Nscale and Aker aim to bolster Norway’s standing in the global AI arena.
Josh further 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.”
