OpenAI, NextDC Sign AU$7 Billion Plan for Sydney AI Campus and GPU Supercluster
Australia touts sustainability measures as it seeks more AI compute capacity.
Overview
- The memorandum of understanding sets out collaboration to plan, develop and operate a hyper‑scale AI campus and GPU supercluster at Eastern Creek in western Sydney.
- The project is valued at about AU$7 billion (US$4.6 billion), according to Australian officials.
- Authorities say the facility will use long‑term renewable power purchase agreements and cooling systems that do not require potable water.
- Officials project thousands of jobs during construction, while binding agreements and a detailed construction timeline have yet to be finalized.
- NextDC’s shares rose after the announcement, and the center is expected to serve OpenAI customers in Australia including Commonwealth Bank, Wesfarmers, Canva and Virgin Australia.