Why choose Norway for your data center needs?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming society and fundamentally changing the digital infrastructure that underpins it, including data centers. With the rise of data-driven industries like cloud computing, the metaverse, Deep Learning, and high-end gaming is driving a significant increase in data center capacity and energy demands.
Norway stands out with its sustainable energy profile and surplus of renewable energy, shielding it from the fluctuations seen in other parts of the world. Norway's rich heritage in constructing large, scalable industries and its reliable electrical system, spanning the main transmission and regional grid networks, further reinforces its energy advantage.
Making the case for Norway for AI & HPC IT workloads
Government Backing
Norway plays a crucial role in advancing the data center industry with strong government backing and a commitment to sustainability. Recognizing that data centers are vital to digital infrastructure, Norway's Data Center Strategy positions its facilities as "sustainable, digital power centers."
This initiative has attracted significant investments from major companies like Microsoft, Google, and Volkswagen, positioning Norway as a leading data hub.
Renewable Energy
Norway's natural advantages make it an ideal destination for energy-intensive industries, including data centers, thanks to the availability and affordability of energy.
With 98% of its energy from renewable sources, Norway leads Europe in hydropower production and ranks sixth globally, boasting over 1,550 hydropower plants and more than 60 wind farms (source: Energifakta Norge).
Norwegian hydropower is not only emission-free but also abundant, keeping energy costs low.
Safe investment
Norway is the top choice for low-risk investments in European data centers and logistics facilities. It secured the #1 spot in the 2020 FM Global Resilience Index, a global ranking of resilient business environments conducted by a major commercial property insurer. Additionally, the World Bank's Doing Business 2020 report ranked Norway 9th worldwide for ease of doing business.
With its stable economy, strong infrastructure, and supportive government policies, Norway offers an ideal environment for investment and growth.
EU freedoms
Norway is not a member of the European Union (EU), but is part of the European Economic Area (EEA). As a member EEA agreement, Norway enjoys the advantages of the European Union's (EU's) four freedoms: free movement of goods, services, persons, and capital.
It also guarantees that all relevant EU legislation for data storage and use, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is implemented in Norway. Therefore, for a data hosting service provider, hosting personal data for clients in Norway is equivalent to hosting it in any EU country.
Low-Latency Connectivity
High-speed submarine fiber cables connect Norway directly to Europe and the US, enabling Norwegian data centers to achieve a latency of 12-20 ms round trip (RTD) to major connectivity hubs like Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, and Paris.
Recent investments totalling over $375 million has added 122 new dark fiber pairs, ensuring high-capacity, low-latency links between Norway, the USA, the UK, and mainland Europe. These cables are essential for moving vast amounts of data over long distances efficiently.
What is Hydropower?
Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, creates electricity by using the energy of moving water. There are a few different ways to do this, like run-of-river systems, direct dams, and piped water systems (called penstocks).
Norway is:
- 1st in Europe for hydropower production
- 6th for hydropower production in the World
- 1550+ hydropower plants
- 98% of Norway’s energy comes from renewable sources
- 156TWh produced by Norway annually
Source: Energi Fakta Norge (2023)
Norway as a Data Center Nation White Paper
Norway is a leading location in the region for the availability and use of renewable energy sources. The government has launched several initiatives to increase renewable energy adoption, including setting targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. One major initiative is the widespread adoption of district heating systems, contributing significantly to a sustainable economy. Read how the Norwegian government made Norway an attractive nation for data centers and other data-centric enterprises.
Norway's relationship with the European Union
Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement. It benefits from the EU’s four freedoms: free movement of goods, services, persons and capital. As a member of the EEA, GDPR data privacy regulations are law in Norway. To download your free copy of the White Paper on Norway's Relationship to the European Union.
The National Strategy for AI
Norway's strategy focuses on specifying what AI means for various industries including public sector and describing areas where these opportunities will be important for Norway to exploit. To download your free copy of The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Norway white paper,
Networks and Connectivity Norway Report
Over the last few years, recent investments in subsea fiber infrastructure have radically improved Norway's connectivity and is now on par, if not above, our neighbouring countries in terms of offered connectivity, capacity and route diversity. Click here to download the Update on Networks and Connectivity Norway report,
Nord Pool Energy Prices
Norway consistently provides the lowest energy prices in Europe, based on data from the Nord Pool international power exchange. Along with other Nordic countries, Norway generates an excess of affordable renewable energy. This makes the region an ideal location for sustainable and efficient data center investments. See the latest prices here.
Norwegian Data Center Industry Report
The new report published by the Norwegian Data Center Industry shows that the country is benefiting from the world's rapid digitalisation and is set to grow even faster in the years ahead with the increased adoption of AI & HPC. Read the full report here.