OpenAI Secures Deal with Georgia Power for 3.2-Gigawatt Data Center in Effingham County, Georgia
OpenAI has secured a new contract with Georgia Power for a massive 3.2-gigawatt data center in Effingham County, Georgia, known as "Project Camellia." This agreement ensures OpenAI covers its own infrastructure costs, which is projected to lower residential electric bills and provide significant tax revenue and community benefits to Effingham County. The project also addresses environmental concerns by utilizing a closed-loop cooling system.
OpenAI has finalized a contract with Georgia Power for a 3.2-gigawatt data center campus in Effingham County, Georgia, near Rincon. The project, dubbed "Project Camellia," involves an initial investment of $20 billion, potentially rising to over $30 billion, for four buildings spanning 4.4 million square feet, with power phased in from 2028 to 2032.
The core of the agreement, reviewed by the Georgia Public Service Commission, mandates that OpenAI, as a large-load customer exceeding 100 megawatts, fully cover its own electric-service infrastructure costs, rather than burdening existing ratepayers. Georgia Power projects that revenues from OpenAI and similar large customers will generate approximately $950 million in annual savings starting in 2029, potentially reducing typical residential electric bills by at least $15 per month.
Furthermore, OpenAI has committed up to 1,000 megawatts of demand response, offering grid flexibility by allowing Georgia Power to reduce deliveries during peak statewide demand. This helps limit the need for new generation solely for growth. Local governments are set to benefit significantly, with OpenAI anticipated to become Effingham County’s largest taxpayer, even with a 15-year property tax abatement. The company has also pledged $80 million in community benefits for various local services and hundreds of millions in state and local taxes over time. On environmental concerns, the campus will use a closed-loop cooling system, avoiding water diversion from local communities, and is located on already industrially-zoned land.