OpenAI announced a data center project in Georgia's Effingham County near Savannah with total investment exceeding $30 billion for a 3.2-gigawatt facility, naming the initiative 'Project Camellia.' The AI company signed a contract with Georgia Power to secure 3.2GW of electricity, with power delivery scheduled to begin in 2028. OpenAI committed $20 billion in investment to qualify for state incentive packages and pledged $80 million in community support plus $71 million worth of its Codex coding service for Georgia university students. The announcement comes amid growing political and community resistance to data center construction, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently issuing a one-year moratorium on new data center projects—the first such action by any U.S. state—citing concerns over electricity costs and resident burden.
OpenAI Commits $30+ Billion Investment for Georgia Data Center
OpenAI committed $20 billion in investment to Effingham County to qualify for incentive packages. Sachin Katti, OpenAI's Vice President of Compute Strategy, stated that total investment costs will likely exceed $30 billion once the project reaches its full 3.2GW capacity. The facility will use closed-loop cooling systems to minimize water consumption.
Georgia Power Contract Secures 3.2GW Electricity Starting 2028
OpenAI signed a contract with Georgia Power to secure 3.2GW of electricity for the data center complex in Effingham County near Savannah. Georgia Power will begin delivering electricity in phases starting in 2028. One gigawatt can simultaneously power 750,000 American households.
OpenAI Pledges $80 Million Community Support and Workforce Development
OpenAI will provide $80 million in community support to address local priorities including schools, public safety, healthcare, job training, and housing. The company will offer $71 million worth of its Codex coding service to Georgia university students. Chris Lehane, OpenAI's Chief Policy Officer, stated: "We have to earn trust, and we have to earn the right to build this project. Part of earning that trust and right is actually listening to what residents have to say."
Data Center to Create Up to 1,000 Jobs in Effingham County
The facility will initially employ 400 full-time workers, with employment expected to grow in phases to a maximum of 1,000 people. OpenAI stated it will pay hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes to state and local governments, becoming Effingham County's largest taxpayer.
New York State Issues First US Data Center Construction Moratorium
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently issued an order imposing a one-year moratorium on data center construction, citing concerns over electricity costs and burdens on local residents. New York became the first of the 50 U.S. states to impose such a construction delay.
FAQ
What is OpenAI's Project Camellia in Georgia?
Project Camellia is OpenAI's data center construction project in Effingham County, Georgia, near Savannah. The facility will have 3.2GW capacity with total investment exceeding $30 billion. OpenAI signed a contract with Georgia Power for electricity delivery starting in 2028.
How much community support is OpenAI providing for the Georgia data center?
OpenAI committed $80 million in community support for local priorities including schools, public safety, healthcare, job training, and housing. The company will also provide $71 million worth of its Codex coding service to Georgia university students.
