Norway data centres face new licensing rules

Norway will introduce a licensing system for data centres after August 1, 2027, as the government seeks more control over energy-hungry digital infrastructure.

Digital minister Torgeir Micaelsen said Monday the aim was to control the growth of data centres and ensure Norway gets the facilities it “really need[s]”.

The government said data centres involved in cryptocurrency mining would be passed over in favour of installations focused on health, defence, communications or artificial intelligence.

Micaelsen said data centres are part of critical infrastructure and contribute to secure digital services and greater digital independence, but added that Norway does not want every type of data centre.

Data centres already online will have to apply for a licence and comply with the regulations.

Norway's Statnett grid operator said data centres consuming 4,200 megawatts of electricity have already been approved, around one-sixth of the country's peak power demand of about 25,000 megawatts.