OpenAI has announced plans to construct its largest-ever data center campus—a 3.2-gigawatt, 1,400-acre facility—in Effingham County, Georgia. The project, dubbed “Project Camellia,” is expected to begin operations as early as 2028 under a $20 billion agreement with the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority.
The company stated it will contract with Georgia Power Company for 3.2 gigawatts of power, delivered in phases between 2028 and 2032. OpenAI emphasized that it will pay the full cost of infrastructure and electric service without passing these expenses to existing ratepayers under Georgia Public Service Commission rules.
The data center is designed to proactively reduce power consumption during periods of high demand, supporting regional electrical reliability. According to the announcement, the project will generate 400 new jobs, $80 million in community benefits, and $71 million in coding classes for Georgia students.
Effingham County Commissioner Roger Burdete described the initiative as “the kind of responsible investment and smart growth our community deserves,” noting it meets standards for environmental responsibility, public safety, and meaningful community return. He stated the project will use minimal water, not increase energy costs for county residents, create quality jobs, and generate substantial revenue for schools and essential services.
Georgia Power’s senior vice president of strategic growth, Aaron Mitchell, praised OpenAI’s commitment to the state, while Savannah Riverkeeper Executive Director Tonya Bonitatibus raised concerns about water usage feasibility despite OpenAI’s claim of a closed-loop system that recirculates water like a car radiator. OpenAI clarified that the water usage will be comparable to an office building with similar employee numbers and will not divert from local communities.
To ensure accountability, OpenAI committed to an independent annual audit of its environmental and operational commitments. The project is located within the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub—a pre-existing industrially zoned development—and is expected to generate less traffic and use fewer resources than a warehouse construction previously planned at the site while providing stronger long-term tax revenue and more permanent on-site jobs.
OpenAI confirmed it will continue engaging with local residents, government officials, schools, and community organizations as the project advances, including hosting a public open house for feedback.