OpenAI plans to invest $20 billion in an artificial intelligence data center campus in Effingham County near Savannah, a project local officials describe as one of the largest private investments in coastal Georgia history.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the facility is expected to employ 400 workers in six-figure jobs when initial operations begin in 2028, with employment growing to 1,000 by 2032. The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority approved a 50% property tax abatement for 15 years, although officials project OpenAI would still become the county’s largest taxpayer.
Dubbed Project Camellia, OpenAI’s announcement says the campus will contract for 3.2 gigawatts of electricity delivered in phases from 2028 through 2032. Under a 25-year Georgia Power agreement, the utility says OpenAI will pay the full infrastructure and electric-service costs and reduce its power use by as much as 1,000 megawatts during periods of high demand.
OpenAI says the facility will use a closed-loop cooling system intended to keep ongoing water consumption comparable to an ordinary workplace with a similar number of employees. The company pledged an $80 million community fund and up to $71 million in Codex credits for eligible Georgia college and technical school students.
Effingham County leaders said the new tax revenue could accelerate Project Zero, their plan to eliminate county property taxes on qualifying homesteads. County Manager Tim Callanan estimated the average homeowner could see a 40% reduction, though that outcome depends on local approvals and voter referendums.
OpenAI cautioned that significant work remains on permitting, design, financing, infrastructure and the operating model. Residents can question project representatives at a public open house July 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Effingham County College and Career Academy in Rincon.
