OpenAI Plans Multi-Billion Dollar Data Center in Georgia

OpenAI plans to launch a massive data center project named Project Camellia in Effingham County, Georgia (near Savannah). The total investment is expected to reach tens of billions of dollars, with an initial outlay of around $20 billion. The company has secured a power purchase agreement with Georgia Power, locking in 3.2 gigawatts of electricity slated for delivery by 2028. OpenAI emphasized that it will bear all infrastructure and power costs without passing them on to local households, and pledged to proactively reduce power consumption during grid shortages. Additionally, the facility will utilize closed-loop cooling technology, with projected water usage comparable to an office building of a similar scale. According to Bloomberg, OpenAI executive Katti revealed that the company is seeking partners to co-finance and develop the center, though it may also choose to independently operate certain facilities.

Key Details

Located in Effingham County, Georgia, the project's total investment could reach tens of billions of dollars. It has secured 3.2 gigawatts of power through Georgia Power, with delivery expected in 2028. OpenAI commits to covering all infrastructure and power service costs without passing them on to local residents. On the technical front, the project will employ closed-loop cooling, meaning its post-completion water usage is projected to match that of a similarly sized office building. The site will also voluntarily scale back its power demand during grid strain.

Funding and Partnership Model

Bloomberg reports that OpenAI is actively seeking partners to co-finance and develop the data center, while keeping the option open to independently operate parts of the facility. This suggests the project may adopt a hybrid development model to share the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure expenses.

2026-07-22 ~ 2026-07-22 · 4 related posts

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