OpenAI Launches $20 Billion Project Camellia in Georgia

OpenAI is developing Project Camellia as a long-term data-center campus in Effingham County, Georgia, within the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub near the Port of Savannah. The project is part of the ChatGPT maker’s push to expand U.S. computing capacity as access to power and infrastructure becomes a critical constraint on artificial-intelligence growth. Its scale also puts electricity costs, water use, local employment and community benefits under scrutiny.

OpenAI announced the project on July 22, 2026, committing at least $20 billion and signing a 25-year supply agreement with Georgia Power. The utility will deliver 3.2 gigawatts in phases from 2028 through 2032, while OpenAI will cover the required infrastructure and electricity costs. The company also pledged an $80 million community fund and up to $71 million in Codex credits for eligible Georgia students. Local officials expect 400 permanent jobs and thousands of construction roles.