$20 billion OpenAI data center to open in Effingham County
OpenAI is developing a $20 billion data center campus, 'Project Camellia,' in Effingham County, Georgia, scheduled to open in phases starting in 2028. The project promises substantial community benefits, job creation, and property tax reductions, while addressing environmental concerns. It will draw 3.2 gigawatts of power from Georgia Power.
OpenAI is moving forward with "Project Camellia," a $20 billion data center campus in Effingham County, Georgia, with phased operations beginning in 2028. This privately funded development will span 1,400 acres at the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, utilizing 3.2 gigawatts of energy from Georgia Power, an amount sufficient to power over two million homes. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp previously engaged with OpenAI and Georgia Power representatives to discuss the company's activities in the state.
According to Brant Herndon, CEO of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Project Camellia represents a significant private investment expected to generate substantial tax revenue, create hundreds of high-paying jobs, and foster opportunities for local businesses and contractors. OpenAI has committed $80 million in "community benefits" to support local education, public safety, healthcare, and small businesses, alongside providing $71 million in credits for its Codex coding software to Georgia students. Effingham County Manager Tim Callanan indicated that the project could lead to an average homeowner property rate reduction of 40% by early next year.
The project emphasizes environmental responsibility, with plans for "minimal" water usage through a closed-loop recycling system that will not divert local water sources. Additionally, the data center will be among the first to reduce its Georgia Power consumption during periods of high energy demand and is not expected to cause local temperature increases due to substantial buffers. OpenAI will host an open house for Effingham County residents to gather feedback, which will contribute to a "Georgia Community Compact" to solidify community priorities and accountability.
The article also provides context by mentioning varying stances on data center development in other coastal Georgia communities; Garden City and Camden County have enacted moratoriums, while Glynn County rejected calls for a pause. Furthermore, it references a past project in Saline Township, Michigan, involving OpenAI and Oracle, which faced initial zoning denial and a subsequent lawsuit before a settlement allowed its approval. This project, known as "Project Stargate," was announced by President Donald Trump and is supported by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.