Can Stargate Norway Power Europe’s Sustainable AI Future?
OpenAI has announced its first European data centre project as part of its OpenAI for Countries programme.
Named Stargate Norway, the initiative is set to bring 230 MW of clean energy-powered infrastructure to Narvik in Northern Norway.
The project aligns with wider ambitions to deliver equitable access to AI while embedding sustainability into the continent’s digital transformation.
Developed in partnership with Nscale Global Holdings and Norwegian industrial investment firm Aker, Stargate Norway will deliver large-scale compute capacity built around renewable power, energy efficiency and industrial regeneration.
Renewable-powered infrastructure at industrial scale
The site will initially house 100,000 Nvidia GPUs (graphics processing units) and support 230MW of data centre capacity, with the potential to scale up to 520MW depending on demand.
The infrastructure is backed by an estimated US$1bn in early-phase funding, split between Nscale and Aker.
Stargate Norway is designed as a sovereign “AI gigafactory” for Europe, combining sustainable power, industrial readiness and digital infrastructure.
Located in Kvandal, just outside Narvik, the site takes advantage of Norway’s cool ambient temperatures and abundant hydropower, enabling a high-performance yet low-emission computing environment.
The environmental design includes closed-loop, direct-to-chip liquid cooling to maximise energy efficiency and reduce water consumption.
Waste heat from the facility will be recovered and used to support nearby low-carbon businesses, further integrating AI infrastructure into the local circular economy.
"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."
Tapping Norway’s clean energy advantage
The facility is built on a foundation of clean, surplus hydropower—a defining feature of Northern Norway’s energy landscape.
With some of the lowest electricity prices in Europe and excess generating capacity, the region is well suited to energy-intensive industries like data processing and AI.
“Norway has a proud history of turning clean, renewable energy into industrial value, powering global industries like aluminium and fertiliser," comments Øyvind Eriksen, President and 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 operated through a 50/50 joint venture between Nscale and Aker, with both parties contributing upwards of US$250m each for the first development phase.
The joint venture will be established through wholly owned subsidiaries of Aker, following its planned merger with Aker Horizons.
This model offers a framework for low-carbon digital infrastructure investment that can support regional economic development while delivering on climate and sustainability targets.
Supporting sustainable AI growth in Europe
Stargate Norway is positioned to play a key role in OpenAI’s OpenAI for Countries programme.
The site will serve as a strategic compute hub aligned with European digital sovereignty and regulatory frameworks.
OpenAI will act as an initial offtaker and has the option to expand its usage as additional capacity comes online.
“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 will offer surplus capacity to organisations across the UK, Nordics and Northern Europe.
Local start-ups and research institutions will also be given priority access to support innovation in Norway.
“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," says Josh.
