SVT Nyheter2 hours agoPolitics1 min read

The Norwegian politician wants to see regulation of data centers: "We have to get control of this"

Quick Look

Data center regulation is highly topical in both Norway and Sweden.
In Norway there are 113 data centers and 116 applications for new establishments.
Politicians in Tydal support demands for national licensing and recycling of excess heat from data centers for, for example, vegetable production.

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Why It Matters

Data center consumption of energy and the need for regulation is a current issue in both Norway and Sweden, where Norway has 113 existing data centers and 116 applications for new establishments.

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SVT meets him at Röros airport, when he has returned home for the weekend from Oslo. He is a driving force in Norway regarding the issue of data center regulation. Both in terms of construction and location, but also the issue of energy consumption.

Also current in Sweden

The issue of regulation of data centers is highly topical in both Norway and Sweden. In September, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that the government is working on a strategy, a demand that the Green Party has made.

The Norwegian government has said that a proposal can be presented at the end of 2027. Lars Haltbrekken (SV) believes that it is urgent.

- We must introduce national licensing as soon as possible, he says.

In Norway, there are currently 113 data centers and there are applications to establish another 116.

Gets approval from Tydal's politicians

In Tydal, the municipality and the company behind the data center work together to find ways to make use of the excess heat.

The municipality has bought a plot of land next to the industrial area where it is now hoped that companies will want to set up shop to, for example, produce vegetables.

- There are concrete things going on, says municipal councilor Jens Arne Kvello (SP).

Both he and Haakon Bryhni, who is chairman of the board of Tydal Data Center, believe that regulation and requirements for data centers are needed.

Hear more in the video below.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The Norwegian government will present a proposal for data center regulation before the end of 2027.
Very likely · Within months
More municipalities in Norway will follow Tydal's example and look for ways to make use of excess heat from data centers.
Likely · Within months

Open Questions

When will the Norwegian data center regulation proposal be presented exactly?
What specific requirements will be included in the Swedish strategy for data centers?
How much excess heat can actually be recovered from data centers in Tydal?