OpenAI has announced plans to establish its first European artificial intelligence data center in Narvik, Norway, as part of its global Stargate initiative. The facility will feature up to 100,000 Nvidia GPUs by the end of 2026, making it one of the largest AI infrastructure projects in Northern Europe.
Narvik’s strategic role in Europe’s AI infrastructure
Narvik, located above the Arctic Circle, offers abundant renewable hydropower and naturally cool conditions that are ideal for large-scale data operations. Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, its participation in the European Economic Area (EEA) ensures full integration into the single market, allowing the project to serve both Norwegian and wider European needs.
The initiative positions Norway as a key digital hub for Northern Europe, bridging European ambitions for technological sovereignty with the country’s industrial capacity. While the infrastructure will remain under OpenAI’s operational control, local stakeholders are expected to benefit from technology transfer, research opportunities, and enhanced digital capabilities.
Capacity, sustainability, and local benefits
The Stargate Norway project will be developed in partnership with European cloud provider Nscale and Norwegian industrial group Aker. It will start with an initial capacity of 230 MW, expandable to 520 MW, and will be powered entirely by renewable energy. Advanced cooling systems and heat recycling are planned, with surplus heat earmarked for local low-impact businesses.
OpenAI states that the facility will grant priority access to Norway’s AI ecosystem, including startups, universities, and research institutes. Any remaining computing capacity will be made available to public and private actors in the Nordic region, the United Kingdom, and Northern Europe.
Part of a global Stargate network
The Narvik site follows similar projects launched in the United States and the United Arab Emirates under the Stargate programme, which aims to invest up to €460 billion over four years in frontier AI infrastructure. The initiative is closely linked to OpenAI for Countries, a framework designed to help governments build localised AI capabilities and data centers.
In the European and EEA context, Stargate Norway aligns with broader AI Gigafactories strategies to bolster digital autonomy and resilience. The facility’s combination of scale, sustainability, and regional integration could make it a cornerstone of Europe’s high-performance AI infrastructure in the years ahead.
