Norway has temporarily halted new power connection applications for data centers through August 2027.
With pending capacity requests reaching 18,000 MW against a national peak consumption of 25,000 MW, the grid operator and government are shifting focus toward projects that demonstrate clear local and social benefits.
According to an announcement by the network operator Statnett AS, the temporary suspension will last until August 1, 2027 at the latest. The global explosion in the construction of such infrastructure, which powers artificial intelligence systems, has caused strong reactions from the US to Europe due to the huge electricity consumption and rising prices.
“We want data centers in Norway, but we can’t have just any kind of data center,” said Digitalization Minister Torgeir Micaelsen, emphasizing the need to select investments that offer real social benefit.
The operator's figures show the scale of demand: 800 megawatts (MW) of power is currently connected, another 4.200 MW has been committed, and 9.100 MW is on hold. At the same time, there are pending requests for an additional 18.000 MW, when Norway's total peak consumption is just over 25.000 MW.
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A recent report by the Norwegian Technology Council also pointed out that these facilities create few permanent jobs after their construction is completed, while 90% of them belong to foreign companies.
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