# OpenAI Seeks Community Support for New Data Center in Georgia The company aims to counter growing backlash against data centers. - **Source:** [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-22 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e7e13006-3331-40bf-acf2-7353b7ae8cc7 ## OpenAI's New Project OpenAI plans to build a massive data center campus near Savannah, Georgia. The project, named 'Project Camellia,' involves a $20 billion investment and requires 3.2 gigawatts of power. The company has started early-stage efforts to gain local community support. ## Addressing Community Concerns OpenAI has made a four-point pledge to counter rising backlash against data centers. The commitments include no increase in electricity bills, minimal water usage, and providing AI credits to local students. ## Local Collaboration The company has contracted with Georgia Power to supply electricity between 2028 and 2032. OpenAI also stated that the project will use a closed-loop water system to minimize water usage and won't impact local electricity costs. ## Community Benefits OpenAI has pledged $80 million in community benefits over the project's lifetime and will provide $71 million in AI credits to Georgia students. These credits will be accessible through students' ChatGPT accounts. ## Employment and Economy The project is expected to create thousands of construction jobs and over 1,000 operational roles once completed. OpenAI aims to provide new opportunities for local businesses and boost the economy. ## Backlash Against Data Centers Growing opposition to data centers across the U.S. has prompted OpenAI to take cautious steps with this project. The company is adopting a transparent communication strategy early on to build community trust. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-effingham-georgia-data-center-project-camellia-water-use-tokens-2026-7 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._