OpenAI announced plans to build a 3.2-gigawatt, 1,400-acre data center in Effingham County, Georgia, marking the company’s largest-ever data center campus.
“To support the data center, we are contracting with Georgia Power Company for 3.2 gigawatts of power which will be delivered in phases between 2028 and 2032,” OpenAI stated.
“Georgia families will not subsidize this project. OpenAI will pay the full cost of the infrastructure and electric-service costs required to serve it. Under Georgia Public Service Commission rules, those costs cannot be passed on to existing ratepayers,” OpenAI said in its announcement.
“Also, this project will be one of the first data centers designed to proactively reduce its power consumption before residential customers are impacted during periods of high demand, so we can meaningfully support the reliability of Georgia Power’s electric system and support our neighbors,” it continued.
OpenAI plans to spend tens of billions of dollars on a massive new data center near Savannah https://t.co/QxwpOECo0W
— Bloomberg (@business) July 22, 2026
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer explained further:
OpenAI and Effingham County Industrial Development Authority reached a $20 billion dollar agreement to have a new data center humming away at Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, about 30 minutes north of the city, as early as 2028.
ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to the billions in capital investment, the AI data center dubbed “Project Camellia” will bring 400 jobs, $80 million in community benefits and $71 million in coding classes for Georgia students, according a news release Wednesday from the Effingham County Board of Commissioners.
Two county commissioners also voiced their support for the project Wednesday.
“This is the kind of responsible investment and smart growth our community deserves, and I am proud to support the project,” Commissioner Roger Burdete said on the Project Camellia website. ”… a project of this magnitude must meet strict standards for environmental responsibility, public safety, and meaningful community return. After carefully evaluating the project, we found that it will use minimal water, will not increase energy costs for county residents, will create quality jobs, and will generate substantial new revenue for our schools and essential county services.“
Georgia Power will serve and support the project.
“We appreciate the leadership and thoughtfulness of the OpenAI team as they prepare to bring significant investment and cutting-edge technology to Georgia,” said Aaron Mitchell, senior vice president of strategic growth for Georgia Power, in a news release.
However, Savannah Riverkeeper Executive Director Tonya Bonitatibus said she’s skeptical about the location and feasibility of high water usage around Georgia for all of the planned data centers, despite the company committing to a closed-loop system.
“The project will use a closed-loop water system, which recirculates water rather than continuously withdrawing and discharging. It works like a car radiator and is intended to keep ongoing water use low,” OpenAI stated.
“The water used will not divert water from local communities and the ongoing water needs will be for people to use in an ordinary workplace setting such as restrooms, kitchens, sanitation, and maintenance and will be similar to an office building with the same amount of employees,” it continued.
Southern Company's subsidiary said on Wednesday it has signed a 25-year power supply agreement with OpenAI for a new project in Effingham County, Georgia. https://t.co/xOMgb3Yzsi
— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) July 22, 2026
CBS News has more:
To help ensure it follows through on its commitments, OpenAI said an independent firm will conduct and publicly release an annual audit of the project.
ADVERTISEMENTThe proposed site is located within the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, an existing industrially zoned development. OpenAI said the project is expected to generate less traffic and use less water than a warehouse development previously planned for the site while providing stronger long-term tax revenue and more permanent on-site jobs.
OpenAI said it plans to continue meeting with local residents, government officials, schools and community organizations as the project moves forward. A public open house is scheduled for Thursday, where community members can ask questions and provide feedback that will help shape the project’s commitments and accountability measures.
Read the full OpenAI announcement HERE.
What are your thoughts?
