Dateline: OSLO, July 31, 2025 – OpenAI announced its first European data center project in Norway through a $1 billion partnership with Aker ASA (AKER.OL) and Nscale Global Holdings.
The move signals OpenAI’s aggressive expansion into European markets as AI infrastructure demand surges globally, potentially boosting revenues for chip suppliers and cloud computing partners.
- $1 billion Stargate Norway facility launches next year
- Partnership includes Aker ASA and Nscale Global Holdings
- 230 MW capacity with 100,000 Nvidia GPUs planned
Market reaction & context
Aker ASA shares could benefit from the landmark infrastructure deal, which represents one of the largest AI data center investments in Europe this year 1. The project underscores the growing competition among tech giants to establish European AI infrastructure, following similar expansions by Microsoft and Google.
The facility will feature an initial capacity of 230 MW and house approximately 100,000 Nvidia GPUs, positioning it among Europe’s largest AI computing centers 2. This scale puts the project in direct competition with existing hyperscale facilities across the continent.
Detailed analysis
The partnership operates through a 50-50 joint venture between British infrastructure firm Nscale and Norwegian industrial conglomerate Aker ASA 3. Nscale will handle design and construction, while Aker brings local expertise and energy infrastructure capabilities.
The project launches under OpenAI’s “OpenAI for Countries” program, marking the ChatGPT maker’s first major European infrastructure initiative 4. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with operations expected to commence by late 2026.
Strategic implications
Norway’s abundant renewable energy resources and favorable regulatory environment make it an attractive location for power-intensive AI operations. The country’s stable grid infrastructure and competitive electricity prices offer significant operational advantages over other European markets.
The facility represents a turning point in Europe’s AI infrastructure development, as major tech companies increasingly localize computing resources to comply with data sovereignty requirements 5. This trend could accelerate similar partnerships across the region.
Industry outlook
The Stargate Norway project reflects the massive capital requirements driving AI infrastructure expansion globally. Industry analysts estimate that AI data center investments could exceed $50 billion annually by 2027, with Europe capturing a growing share of this spending.
For investors, the partnership highlights the intersection of AI demand and traditional industrial expertise, as companies like Aker leverage existing capabilities to enter high-growth technology markets. The project could serve as a template for similar collaborations across Europe’s energy-rich regions.
Not investment advice. For informational purposes only.
References
1 “OpenAI to build its first European data centre in Norway, with partners” (July 31, 2025). Reuters. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
2 “OpenAI backs AI data center in Norway With 100,000 Nvidia GPUs” (July 31, 2025). CNBC. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
3 “Nscale, Aker and OpenAI to establish Stargate Norway” (July 31, 2025). Nscale. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
4 “OpenAI introduces ‘Stargate Norway'” (July 31, 2025). Digital Infra Network. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
5 “New OpenAI Norway data center marks turning point in Europe’s AI” (July 31, 2025). Arctic Today. Retrieved July 31, 2025.