Sydney — OpenAI and Australian data centre operator NextDC have entered into an agreement to build a multibillion-dollar artificial intelligence campus in western Sydney, marking one of Australia’s largest-ever AI infrastructure investments.
💼 Major AI Partnership Announced
Brisbane-based NextDC confirmed Friday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with OpenAI.
Under the partnership, the companies will jointly develop:
- An AI campus
- A GPU-driven supercluster
- Advanced data infrastructure to support large-scale AI workloads
NextDC said both parties will work together on the planning, development, and operation of the new facilities.
📈 Market Reaction
- NextDC shares jumped 4.1% in early afternoon trading following the announcement.
💰 Project Value & Economic Impact
Australia’s government estimates the project will be worth A$7 billion (US$4.6 billion).
It is expected to generate:
- Thousands of jobs across construction, engineering, manufacturing and operations
- Long-term roles in technical and AI-related fields
🌱 Clean Energy & Sustainability Focus
The AI campus will:
- Use long-term renewable energy purchase agreements
- Integrate next-generation cooling systems that do not require drinking water
- Support Australia’s clean-energy and digital transformation goals
🏛 Government Endorsement
Treasurer Jim Chalmers called the project proof of Australia’s growing AI competitiveness.
“Australia has the talent, clean energy potential, trade partnerships, and policy settings needed to be one of the big winners when it comes to AI.”
He added that initiatives like this will boost skills, create high-quality jobs, and accelerate AI adoption across the economy.
