Observed Signal · Aug 1, 2025 · Partnership · Source: Tech.eu · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
OpenAI launches first European AI data centre in Norway
OpenAI has announced the launch of its first European AI data centre, located near Narvik, Norway. The project, developed in partnership with Nscale Global Holdings and Aker ASA under a $1 billion joint venture, will deliver up to 520 MW of power capacity and an initial 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs by the end of 2026. The facility will run on renewable hydropower and utilize closed-loop liquid cooling. It is part of OpenAI's 'OpenAI for Countries' programme, providing local institutions and researchers with priority access. OpenAI will act as the initial offtaker, with Nscale and Aker funding the first 20 MW phase.
OpenAI's $1B investment in European AI infrastructure signals major commitment to sovereign AI compute, impacting the availability of AI capabilities for European businesses, including advertising technology applications.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- OpenAI launched its first European AI data centre in Narvik, Norway.
- The project is a $1 billion joint venture with Nscale and Aker ASA.
- The facility will have up to 520 MW power capacity and initial 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs by end of 2026.
- The data centre runs on renewable hydropower and closed-loop liquid cooling.
- It is part of the 'OpenAI for Countries' programme for national AI strategies.
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Fired OpenAI Researchers Dispute Misconduct Claims, Warn of Chilling Effect
Three OpenAI safety researchers, Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak, and Mikita Balesni, who were fired last week, have published an open letter denying allegations of mishandling sensitive information. They warn that their dismissal creates a chilling effect that stifles AI safety work and open dialogue within the company. The researchers say they acted in good faith and within company norms, and that the reasons for their firing are unclear. They urge OpenAI to uphold its commitments to third-party safety auditors and maintain a transparent culture. OpenAI responded with an internal memo denying retaliation and stating that employees are not terminated for raising concerns, but did not address specific policy violations or circumstances of the dismissal. The dispute highlights tensions between internal safety research and company communication policies at a time when OpenAI faces scrutiny over safety incidents.
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