Effingham County, GADeveloper: OpenAICensus GEOID 13103
OpenAI is planning a large data center in Effingham County, Georgia, for which Georgia Power received approval for a 3.2 GW power deal, and which faces a citizen led zoning lawsuit and questions about water and electric bill impacts. It is waiting on permits, since July 25, 2026.
How much power it needs, how much water it would use and who would use it have not been disclosed.
Tap a pin for the data center, the parcel for its record
The other pins are the published projects in the same state, each in its stage color. The imagery beneath is the USGS national orthoimagery, public domain, shown so the land around the site can be read.
How to read this page. Every fact links to the source it rests on; a number in brackets is its place in the source list. A figure no source gives reads Not disclosed, and nothing is estimated. Where sources give different figures, each is shown with who gave it, and another source's figure never stands in for the record's own. Entries are added and never overwritten; corrections are listed under What happened.
Each figure as its source gave it. The number in brackets is its place in the source list.
| Field | Value | Who says so | Source | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How much power it needs | ||||
| How much water it would use | ||||
| How loud it would be | ||||
| Jobs once it runs | ||||
| Tax it would pay each year |
| Field | Value | Who says so | Source | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who is building it | OpenAI | as stated by the source | September 8, 2026 | |
| Who is constructing it | ||||
| How much land | ||||
| Buildings | ||||
| Where its power comes from | ||||
| Grid connection | ||||
| How it is cooled |
How much power it needs, also reported: 3,200 MW, 2026 (PR Newswire (opens in a new tab): OpenAI facility expected to need approximately 3,200 megawatts of power, Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab): Facility projected to require up to 3.2 gigawatts of power when fully built out, wsbtv.com (opens in a new tab): OpenAI Project Camellia power usage of approximately 3,200 megawatts is around the same as output from three nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle in Burke County, WJCL (opens in a new tab): OpenAI's Effingham County data center requires 3,200 megawatts of power, WJCL (opens in a new tab): Contract includes about 3,200 megawatts of new electricity demand, YouTube (opens in a new tab): Operations could require about 3,200 megawatts of power, thecurrentga.org (opens in a new tab): Georgia Power will provide 3.2 gigawatts of energy to be delivered in phases from 2028 to 2032, YouTube (opens in a new tab): Data center power capacity is 3.2 gigawatts, YouTube (opens in a new tab): Campus will use 3,200 megawatts of electricity supplied by Georgia Power, WJCL (opens in a new tab): OpenAI's data center requires 3,200 megawatts of electricity, FOX 5 Atlanta (opens in a new tab): Georgia Power contract includes 3,200 megawatts of new power demand, Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab): Project Camellia is a proposed 1,400 acre data center campus that could require up to 3.2 gigawatts of electricity); 1,000 MW, 2026 (FOX 5 Atlanta (opens in a new tab): OpenAI committed up to 1,000 megawatts of flexible demand response, WJCL (opens in a new tab): OpenAI committed to up to 1,000 megawatts of flexible demand response, PR Newswire (opens in a new tab): OpenAI agreed to provide up to 1,000 MW of flexible demand response, Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab): Project designed to reduce grid consumption by up to 1 gigawatt during peak demand); 1.6 GW, 2026 (Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab): Georgia Power plans to expand Plant McIntosh with two new combined cycle units capable of producing 1.6 gigawatts) .
How much water it would use, also reported: 57,000,000 gallons a day, 2026 (YouTube (opens in a new tab): Utilities will have to use at least 57 million gallons of water per day to power and cool the 3.2 GW data center); 30,000 gallons per day, 2026 (Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab): Fully operational campus expected to use about 30,000 gallons of water per day) .
Jobs once it runs, also reported: 400 jobs, 2026 (YouTube (opens in a new tab): Project expected to bring 400 long term jobs and new tax revenue, thecurrentga.org (opens in a new tab): OpenAI project website promises data center will bring 400 permanent on site jobs and approximately $80 million to community projects, Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab): Initially have at least 400 permanent jobs on site growing to 1,000); 1,000 jobs, 2026 (YouTube (opens in a new tab): Project will create 400 six figure jobs starting in 2028, growing to over 1,000 jobs by 2032, Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab): OpenAI pledged creation of 1,000 full time jobs); 80 jobs, 2026 (WTOC (opens in a new tab): Project promises to create at least 400 new long term jobs, averaging 80 jobs per phase) .
Tax it would pay each year, also reported: 71,300,000 USD, 2026 (Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab): School district local property tax revenue under the lower rate would be about $71.3 million, with an additional county appropriation of about $8.8 million representing the equivalent of 2 mills); 1,000 USD, 2026 (WTOC (opens in a new tab): Tax revenue designed to help county eliminate homestead property taxes, saving average homeowner approximately $1,000 annually) .
A blank value cell means not disclosed by any source on file; a blank basis cell means the source gave the figure without saying on what basis.
The developer's figure is what the company said; what a permit allows is the ceiling a permit sets; measured means observed. Water is in gallons a day or a year, whichever the source stated; a tax claim given as a range shows both ends, each linked to the source that gave it.
The record adds each the day a source gives it. Why these documents.
Acts of Effingham County and the cities in it about data centers, on the record with their source. A rule about the area is not a decision about this record.
| Date | Who | Decision | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effingham County | Effingham County residents have banded together to protest a new data center. | gpb.org (opens in a new tab) | |
| Effingham County | OpenAI announced plans for a new data center in Effingham County | gpb.org (opens in a new tab) | |
| Effingham County | Effingham County Commission delayed the site review for the OpenAI data center | gpb.org (opens in a new tab) | |
| Effingham County | The county's zoning ordinance requires two public hearings before action can be taken on a zoning change, one before the Planning Board and another before the County Commission | effinghamherald.net (opens in a new tab) | |
| Effingham County | Plaintiffs allege the county failed to follow state law and its own zoning rules by not holding required public hearings before approving the ordinance | effinghamherald.net (opens in a new tab) | |
| Effingham County | Ordinance 2026-352 changed county zoning rules to allow data centers on property already zoned for industrial use | effinghamherald.net (opens in a new tab) |
| Date | Who | Decision | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effingham County | Three Effingham County residents filed a lawsuit September 2 challenging Ordinance 2026-352, which county commissioners gave final approval August 4 | effinghamherald.net (opens in a new tab) |
(content date)
The free meal program is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026
[43] wtoc.com, also [44], also [49]
(content date)
Campus is 1,400 acres
[68] youtube.com, also [46], also [45], also [61]
(content date)
The Development Authority and OpenAI began their conversations in October
[68] youtube.com, also [46], also [45], also [61]
(content date)
OpenAI announced a $20 billion data center in Effingham County
[42] ajc.com, also [60], also [50], also [51], also [59]
(source date; the content gives no date of its own)
An annual publicly available audit conducted by an independent firm will monitor OpenAI's adherence to community and operational commitments for Project Camellia as development progresses
(source date; the content gives no date of its own)
OpenAI Project Camellia data center facility will use a closed loop water system that recirculates water to minimize ongoing water consumption
(source date; the content gives no date of its own)
OpenAI pledged 80 million dollars in local community benefits over the lifespan of the project to support schools, public safety, health care and infrastructure
(source date; the content gives no date of its own)
OpenAI Project Camellia data center agreement includes providing up to 1,000 megawatts of flexible demand response
(source date; the content gives no date of its own)
OpenAI Project Camellia data center will be built in phases from 2028 to 2032 and is expected to need approximately 3,200 megawatts of power once completed
(source date; the content gives no date of its own)
Georgia Public Service Commission approved power contract between Georgia Power and OpenAI for Project Camellia data center in Effingham County
(source date; the content gives no date of its own)
Georgia Power agreed to provide public information on data center portfolio performance twice yearly and issue summary within 10 days of contract filing.
(source date; the content gives no date of its own)
Contract was filed on July 27, 2026.
(source date; the content gives no date of its own)
Georgia PSC staff declined to object to Georgia Power electricity contract for OpenAI data center in Effingham County.
(content date)
OpenAI announced the project in July with a proposed $20 billion data center campus
[41] effinghamherald.net, also [47], also [48]
(content date)
Project Camellia covers approximately 1,400 acres and could require up to 3.2 gigawatts of power
[41] effinghamherald.net, also [47], also [48]
(content date)
Georgia Power entered into a 25 year agreement with OpenAI to provide 3.2 gigawatts of electricity
(content date)
Site will operate a closed loop cooling system to continuously recycle the same water instead of relying on evaporative methods
(content date)
Agreement mandates that developers draw only from treated surface rivers rather than underground groundwater
(content date)
Project Camellia has cleared initial hurdles through the county's development authority
(content date)
OpenAI data center planned for Effingham County
(content date)
Project planned for phased development between 2028 and 2032
(content date)
1,440 acre data center campus with four buildings and combined footprint of 720,000 square feet
(content date)
Effingham County Industrial Development Authority approved incentive package for OpenAI data center on July 21, 2026
(content date)
OpenAI planned $20 billion data center campus with 4.4 million square feet in Effingham County
(content date)
Project has multi year five phase timeline with first phase targeted to begin construction by late 2028 and entire project completed by end of 2034
(content date)
County records show the Special Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement gives OpenAI a 37.5 percent annual property tax reduction, assessing the property at 25 percent of fair market value instead of the standard 40 percent, locked at the 2026 millage rate for 15 years
(content date)
Savannah Gateway property has been zoned industrial since 2006
(content date)
Agreement gave Broe and OmniTRAX authority as sole and exclusive agent, attorney in fact and master developer of nearly 2,600 acres of ECIDA owned land
(content date)
In February 2016, ECIDA board voted 7-1 to partner with OmniTRAX in collaboration with Broe Real Estate Group as master developer
Acquisition (content date)
ECIDA purchased the property near Rincon in 2006 from International Paper for about $31 million
(content date)
Project announced July 22 followed by public information open house July 23
(content date)
Project Camellia is a planned 1,400 acre data center campus at the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub
(content date)
County must wait until DRI process complete before initiating engineering reviews, fire and stormwater plans, or noise level evaluations
(content date)
Georgia Coastal Regional Commission must evaluate project in no more than 30 days
· waiting on permits (content date)
DRI form submitted July 23, 2026 by Effingham County Senior Planner Kimberly Barlett with blank spaces for water usage, energy supply, and environmental impacts
(content date)
Project Camellia must undergo Georgia Developments of Regional Impact process before construction can begin
(content date)
Effingham County Industrial Development Authority was initially approached about the data center around fall 2025
[30] thecurrentga.org, also [36], also [53], also [69], also [58], also [55], also [72], also [71], also [64]
(content date)
OpenAI promises $80 million in community benefits including sports fields and free training for school students
[30] thecurrentga.org, also [36], also [53], also [69], also [58], also [55], also [72], also [71], also [64]
(content date)
OpenAI will receive short term tax abatements during construction and become the county's largest taxpayer after opening in 2028
[30] thecurrentga.org, also [36], also [53], also [69], also [58], also [55], also [72], also [71], also [64]
(content date)
OpenAI data center project covers 2,600 acres at Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub
[30] thecurrentga.org, also [36], also [53], also [69], also [58], also [55], also [72], also [71], also [64]
(content date)
OpenAI data center project in Effingham County announced without any public comment or vote
[30] thecurrentga.org, also [36], also [53], also [69], also [58], also [55], also [72], also [71], also [64]
(content date)
Nearly 1,000 people attended an open house on July 23, 2026 about the $20 billion OpenAI data center project in Effingham County
[30] thecurrentga.org, also [36], also [53], also [69], also [58], also [55], also [72], also [71], also [64]
(content date)
Site is next to a high school and less than a mile from a park
[67] youtube.com, also [16]
(content date)
Under a 25 year agreement, OpenAI agreed to cut up to 1,000 megawatts during peak demand to help grid reliability
[67] youtube.com, also [16]
(content date)
Project Camellia covers about 1,400 acres inside Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub with four buildings and $20 billion price tag
[67] youtube.com, also [16]
(content date)
25 year agreement with Georgia Power
(content date)
OpenAI announced plans for a new project in Effingham County, Georgia, about 45 minutes outside of Savannah
(content date)
The site is located just outside of Rincon in Effingham County
(content date)
Data center is scheduled to open in phases starting in 2028
(content date)
OpenAI data center will comprise four buildings at Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub
(content date)
Site is located at Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, approximately 12 miles northwest of the Port of Savannah
[66] youtube.com, also [54], also [52], also [56], also [62], also [57], also [70], also [63], also [11], also [17]
(content date)
Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and finish by 2032, with operations planned from 2028; project discussions began in November 2023, dates also on WTOC and the county video
[66] youtube.com, also [54], also [52], also [56], also [62], also [57], also [70], also [63], also [11], also [17]
(content date)
Campus will cover more than 1,400 acres on McCall Road in Effingham County
[66] youtube.com, also [54], also [52], also [56], also [62], also [57], also [70], also [63], also [11], also [17]
· proposed (content date)
OpenAI proposes a $20 billion data center campus in Effingham County
[66] youtube.com, also [54], also [52], also [56], also [62], also [57], also [70], also [63], also [11], also [17]
The full OpenAI Effingham County Data Center timeline, in order
· the event type of a status history row
The entry reports a purchase of land, a building or a company, a change of hands and not a stage; its kind was other and is acquisition (the record's rules, on the editor's word). The old and new text.
· the citation of a statements row
Cites the later report of the same claim by the same speaker (said again on August 28, 2026; the record's rules, October 10, 2026). The old and new text.
· the citation of a statements row
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· the citation of a statements row
Cites the later report of the same claim by the same speaker (said again on August 3, 2026; the record's rules, October 10, 2026). The old and new text.
· the summary of a status history row
The entry named the review card it came from in brackets; the card number is the review console's, not the record's, and is removed (the trust fixes of October 8, 2026). The old and new text.
· the summary of a record items row
the record's rules: the sentence copied its source, was about its headline or carried a number the card's facts do not; written again from the card's facts, on the editor's word The old and new text.
Every correction on the record is on the corrections page.
Peter Hubbard said Georgia has provided substantial incentives to data centers while allowing them access to electricity under favorable large load arrangements
Georgia Power stated that OpenAI will pay for all infrastructure needed to serve its facility and that costs will not be passed to other customers
Every statement about data centers in Georgia, by speaker
Shelia Edwards said both the state and local governments have offered too many incentives to data center companies, causing development to move too quickly
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: Statesboro Herald (opens in a new tab).
Joshua Tolbert criticized the lack of transparency with Effingham County's OpenAI announcement
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: Statesboro Herald (opens in a new tab).
Shelia Edwards called for greater transparency around large load contracts and criticized the state for a lack of regulations for data center water usage, noise pollution and ratepayer protections
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: Statesboro Herald (opens in a new tab).
County Manager Tim Callanan said staff plans to strengthen noise, lighting, buffering and other industrial regulations while adding requirements specifically for data centers
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
Georgia PSC Chairman Jason Shaw said the commission has dealt with large load data center contracts for about three years
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: effinghamherald.net (opens in a new tab).
Keisha Lance Bottoms proposes moratorium on new data center projects in Georgia to allow state to study potential impacts
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: c-span.org (opens in a new tab).
Jaha Howard, pediatric dentist, expresses concern that AI data centers displace workers and questions their purpose
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: c-span.org (opens in a new tab).
The power agreement requires OpenAI to pay a minimum power bill regardless of actual electricity use
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WJCL (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: YouTube (opens in a new tab) query feed .
OpenAI will cover the entire cost of grid upgrades needed to serve the data center
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WJCL (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: YouTube (opens in a new tab) query feed .
Georgia Power cannot seek fuel recovery, infrastructure recovery or other cost recovery from Georgia customers for the data center project
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WJCL (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: YouTube (opens in a new tab) query feed .
OpenAI representatives have met with local leaders and residents to determine how community investment can serve the area
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WTOC (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: WJCL (opens in a new tab) query feed , Yahoo (opens in a new tab) query feed .
ECIDA attorney Chris Murphy said intergovernmental agreement established responsibilities for each entity and provided legal basis for financial contributions
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
Resident Raymond Carver said residents felt pushed out of having voice in the situation
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
OpenAI will pay the school district based on the 18.018 mill rate rather than the 16.45 mill rate for 15 years
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
Board member Trisha Boyett said revised fixed rate structure would produce greater tax payments over life of agreement than using lower millage rates
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
County residents expressed concerns about power outages during hurricanes potentially worsening when data center power is prioritized over residential customers
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab) query feed , WTOC (opens in a new tab) query feed , WJCL (opens in a new tab) query feed .
County Manager Tim Callanan stated the project will proceed if it meets all federal, state and local ordinances and law
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab) query feed , WTOC (opens in a new tab) query feed , WJCL (opens in a new tab) query feed .
Commissioner Roger Burdette admitted the lack of transparency in the project announcement was a mistake and said he was wrong not to inform the community sooner
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab) query feed , WTOC (opens in a new tab) query feed , WJCL (opens in a new tab) query feed .
Warnock said the deal was worked out in the dark, under the cover of night
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: AJC.com (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: Bryan County News (opens in a new tab) query feed , WTOC (opens in a new tab) query feed , Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab) query feed , WJCL (opens in a new tab) query feed .
Raphael Warnock called for a moratorium on similar data center projects in Georgia unless big tech companies and developers can promise specific economic and environmental protections
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: AJC.com (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: Bryan County News (opens in a new tab) query feed , WTOC (opens in a new tab) query feed , Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab) query feed , WJCL (opens in a new tab) query feed .
If data center terminates contract early, PSC would decide whether Georgia Power could recover costs and who pays
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WJCL (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: washingtonreporter.news (opens in a new tab) query feed .
Georgia Power CEO Kim Greene said growth is not pushing electric rates up in Georgia
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WJCL (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: washingtonreporter.news (opens in a new tab) query feed .
Warnock criticizes lack of transparency by Effingham County leaders in data center project approval
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: wsbtv.com (opens in a new tab).
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock calls for state moratorium on data center construction
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: wsbtv.com (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: thecurrentga.org (opens in a new tab) local outlet , Spectrum News (opens in a new tab) local outlet .
Senator Raphael Warnock held news conference opposing planned data center in Effingham County, Georgia
Provenance: Paraphrased; said in the source itself.
Primary source: c-span.org (opens in a new tab).
Savannah Riverkeeper raised concerns about periodic closed loop drainage with chemical additives, water for power generation, and stormwater drainage and runoff
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WTOC (opens in a new tab).
OpenAI stated dirty fluids will be properly and lawfully disposed of off site at drainage time and will never be discharged into local environment
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WTOC (opens in a new tab).
OpenAI stated closed loop cooling after initial fill would have ongoing water needs comparable to a typical office building for restrooms, kitchens, cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WTOC (opens in a new tab).
Experts dispute OpenAI's minimal water use claims
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Georgia Public Broadcasting (opens in a new tab).
OpenAI claims water use for the data center will be minimal
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Georgia Public Broadcasting (opens in a new tab).
Effingham County commissioners clarified they signed no NDAs and have no agreements with OpenAI
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WTOC (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab) query feed .
Effingham County resident Mike Melton expressed surprise at OpenAI choosing the Savannah area for data center development
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: AJC.com (opens in a new tab).
County Manager Tim Callanan said negotiations began under non disclosure agreements in early February 2026
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WTOC (opens in a new tab).
Herndon said about 75 percent of companies the ECIDA works with require nondisclosure agreements during site selection
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
No rezoning was required because data center is a permitted use in industrial zoning
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
ECIDA signed nondisclosure agreement with OpenAI prohibiting public discussion of project before announcement
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab).
Effingham County Commissioner Phil Kieffer said 'No groundwater will ever go to this project. It will be supplied by surface water... It will be coming from the Savannah River.'
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WJCL (opens in a new tab).
Aaron McLear, OpenAI's vice president of communications, said 'We're using minimal water, circulating the water throughout the building so that's not as much of a concern'
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: WJCL (opens in a new tab).
County Manager Tim Callanan stated company will pay for delegation of local officials to visit OpenAI data center in Abilene, Texas
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: thecurrentga.org (opens in a new tab).
OpenAI expected to become the largest taxpayer in Effingham County history
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab).
The Industrial Development Authority approved what was announced as a 50 percent property tax abatement for 15 years
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab).
Effingham County manager details OpenAI data center process
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: wsav.com (opens in a new tab).
Project could reduce county homestead property taxes by 40 percent
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: WJCL (opens in a new tab) query feed .
Georgia Power says OpenAI will pay full infrastructure and electric service costs to serve the facility
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: WJCL (opens in a new tab) query feed .
OpenAI has not finalized how much water the campus will use or where it will come from
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab) query feed , WTOC (opens in a new tab) query feed , Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab) query feed , Georgia Public Broadcasting (opens in a new tab) query feed , spectrumlocalnews.com (opens in a new tab) query feed , wsav.com (opens in a new tab) query feed , Data Center Dynamics (opens in a new tab) query feed , ledger-enquirer.com (opens in a new tab) query feed .
OpenAI's property tax abatement was announced as 50 percent for 15 years; county records obtained by WTOC show a 37.5 percent reduction
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: thecurrentga.org (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab) local outlet , Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab) local outlet .
Said again: August 3, 2026 ( Savannah Morning News (opens in a new tab) local outlet ), August 24, 2026 ( Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab) local outlet ).
OpenAI will pay the full infrastructure and electric service costs to serve its facility
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: PR Newswire (opens in a new tab).
Archived copy: Wayback Machine (opens in a new tab).
Also reported by: WJCL (opens in a new tab) local outlet .
Said again: August 28, 2026 ( WJCL (opens in a new tab) local outlet ).
Aaron Mitchell, senior vice president of Strategic Growth for Georgia Power, praised OpenAI's leadership and commitment to responsible operation
Provenance: Paraphrased; content date; reported from elsewhere.
Primary source: PR Newswire (opens in a new tab).
Archived copy: Wayback Machine (opens in a new tab).
Where in Effingham County is not in the public record. The pin marks the county seat, not a building, and the outline is the county.
PR Newswire; Savannah Morning News; WJCL [23]; WJCL (opens in a new tab); YouTube [67]; thecurrentga.org; YouTube [68]; YouTube [66]; WJCL [19]; FOX 5 Atlanta (opens in a new tab); Effingham Herald (opens in a new tab); wsbtv.com, Aug 26, 2026
FOX 5 Atlanta (opens in a new tab); WJCL (opens in a new tab); PR Newswire; Savannah Morning News
Not disclosed. No source on file gives its capacity, its acreage or a count of buildings. What the record holds instead is under Disclosed.
OpenAI is the developer. No construction contractor is named on the record yet.
Not disclosed. No source on file names a tenant, says whether the site is single or multi tenant, or states what it is for. The record keeps the use as not disclosed until one does; see Who it serves.
Power: not disclosed by any source on file. Water: not disclosed by any source on file.
It is waiting on permits, since July 25, 2026. The newest entry, September 2, 2026: The free meal program is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 [43].
Effingham County (rated open): Effingham County residents have banded together to protest a new data center (reported September 17, 2026, gpb.org (opens in a new tab)); and Effingham County: OpenAI announced plans for a new data center in Effingham County (reported September 16, 2026, gpb.org (opens in a new tab)). 7 events are on the county's rows; a rule about the area is not a decision about this record.
Not disclosed by any source on file: how much power it needs, how much water it would use, how loud it would be, jobs once it runs, tax it would pay each year, who is constructing it, how much land, buildings, where its power comes from, grid connection, how it is cooled. No missing primary document is listed for this record yet; What the record lacks is where one appears when a person names it.
72 sources on file.
Last verified , first recorded . Every correction is logged on the corrections page and under What happened. Report a correction · Send a tip about OpenAI Effingham County Data Center
Data Center Record, "OpenAI Effingham County Data Center", https://datacenterrecord.org/projects/openai-effingham-county-data-center-ga. Data: Data Center Record, datacenterrecord.org, CC BY-NC 4.0.
The structured rows are CC BY-NC 4.0. Link to this page; that is what turns a reuse into a citation. Prose stays under copyright.
