OpenAI recalibrates investments as Microsoft secures Norway capacity

Published: 2026-04-15 09:30:36 ET MSFT

According to reports from CNBC, OpenAI has scaled back its infrastructure ambitions by opting out of a direct lease for computing capacity at a data center in Norway, just days after suspending a similar project in the United Kingdom. This pivot reflects a more cautious strategy as the company seeks to rein in capital expenditure ahead of a potential IPO. Negotiations with British firm Nscale for a 230-megawatt site in Narvik failed to materialize, allowing Microsoft to take over the capacity originally earmarked for the AI startup.

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Published on 04/15/2026 at 09:30 am EDT

The artificial intelligence firm now plans to access these resources indirectly through its long-standing partner, Microsoft. This move allows OpenAI to operate within the framework of its existing commitments, notably a contract with Azure estimated at $250bn. Meanwhile, Nscale has strengthened its collaboration with Microsoft, deploying over 30,000 Nvidia Rubin GPUs at the Norwegian site as part of a broader strategy to expand AI infrastructure across Europe.This strategic refocusing comes amid a wider revision of OpenAI's financial targets. Following highly ambitious projections for 2025, the group is now targeting approximately $600bn in computing capacity investments by 2030. It has also shelved its Stargate project in the UK, citing energy costs and the regulatory environment, while discontinuing certain services such as Sora. Despite these adjustments, OpenAI continues to attract massive funding, recently raising $122bn at a valuation of $852bn.