OpenAI announces $20B data center plan, promises no higher electricity bills for locals

OpenAI is pushing forward a massive data center project called Project Camellia in rural Effingham County, Georgia, near Savannah. The investment is at least $20 billion, covering about 567 hectares with a power demand of 3.2 gigawatts. The company says it has talked to local officials and community leaders and will hold public meetings to build trust. OpenAI has signed a power supply contract with Georgia Power, with the campus getting electricity in phases from 2028 to 2032. The company promises the project won't raise local electricity bills, uses a closed-loop water system to keep water use very low, and plans to reduce power use during peak times to avoid affecting homes. Over the project's life, OpenAI will give $80 million back to the community and provide up to $71 million in Codex credits for Georgia college students. Once fully built, the campus is expected to create thousands of construction jobs and over 1,000 long-term jobs. An independent agency will audit OpenAI's promises every year and share the results publicly.