OpenAI Eyes $30B+ Georgia AI Data Center in One of Its Largest Infrastructure Investments
OpenAI plans to invest over $30 billion in a massive 3.2-gigawatt AI data center campus near Savannah, Georgia, in Effingham County. The company has secured an electricity agreement with Georgia Power and aims to begin operations by 2028, with full completion by 2032. This project includes significant community benefits and measures to minimize environmental impact, with local incentives currently pending a vote.
OpenAI is planning a monumental investment exceeding $30 billion in a 3.2-gigawatt AI data center campus located in Effingham County, near Savannah, Georgia. This ambitious project, one of the company's largest infrastructure endeavors, aims to dramatically expand its computing capacity for future AI models.
The ChatGPT developer has formalized an agreement with Georgia Power to secure the necessary 3.2 gigawatts of electricity. Construction is anticipated to unfold in phases, with initial capacity expected online by 2028 and the entire campus slated for completion by 2032. OpenAI's vice president of compute strategy, Sachin Katti, confirmed the company's commitment to invest at least $20 billion in Effingham County to qualify for a local incentive package, though the total investment for the full 3.2-GW project is projected to surpass $30 billion. Katti also noted that OpenAI is actively seeking financial and development partners and may operate portions of the facility.
OpenAI has pledged to cover all electrical infrastructure costs, ensuring existing utility customers are not impacted, and stated the data center will feature demand-response capabilities to manage peak electricity consumption and a closed-loop water cooling system to minimize water usage. Beyond infrastructure, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane, announced $80 million in community benefits over the project's lifespan, tailored to local priorities, along with $71 million in Codex credits for Georgia students. Lehane also confirmed upcoming community meetings to address residents' concerns and an independent audit to ensure commitments are met.
This Georgia project emerges amidst increasing national scrutiny of large AI data centers, particularly regarding their strain on electricity grids, water resources, and local communities, as exemplified by New York's recent moratorium on new data center approvals. The development aligns with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's vision for trillions of dollars in computing infrastructure, building on initiatives like Stargate, which has seen evolving partnership structures for global AI infrastructure expansion, previously involving entities like Oracle and SoftBank.