On 27 June 2025, the Norwegian Government presented its National Data Center Strategy. The strategy defines data centers as critical infrastructure and sets clear ambitions for security, sustainability, and social value creation.
For the data center industry, and for Green Mountain, this sends a strong and welcome political signal. It confirms the vital role data centers play in digital infrastructure and in the transition to a greener industrial economy.
Clear ambitions for the industry
The National Data Center Strategy 2025 is built around three main objectives.
- Norway should be an attractive country in which to establish data centers. New facilities are expected to contribute to local value creation through jobs and long term economic activity.
- Data centers and related services are recognised as essential to national security and preparedness, in times of peace, crisis, and conflict.
- The industry is expected to be sustainable, with a low climate and environmental footprint, aligned with Norway’s broader ambitions for green growth.
You can read the full strategy here.
Green Mountain is Norway’s largest data center operator. Halvor Bjerke, Managing Director Nordics, describes the strategy as an important milestone for the industry.
“The strategy is a clear step in the right direction. It recognises data centers as part of Norwegian industry and highlights their potential for value creation, employment, and green transition. For those of us working in this sector, political clarity matters,” says Bjerke.
What does this mean for the industry?
The strategy positions data centers as a foundation of the digital society. It also presents Norway as a host country with high environmental and security standards. In addition, it signals stronger public ownership and control over critical digital infrastructure. The industry has called for this for a long time.
At the same time, the gap between ambition and execution remains.
“We see strong and growing demand for data center capacity,” says Bjerke. “Public institutions, Norwegian businesses, and international companies all look to Norway for secure and green data processing. Yet development timelines remain long, especially due to limited access to power and suitable land.”
He also highlights challenges in planning and zoning processes. In some cases, authorities still do not treat data centers as an industrial activity.
“The strategy points in the right direction, but we now need concrete policy tools. As long as data centers can still be defined as non industrial, ambition and practice remain out of alignment,” he adds.
Looking ahead
The National Data Center Strategy makes one thing clear. Data centers form a core part of Norway’s digital foundation.
For Green Mountain, the next step lies in turning political intent into practical action. Norway needs predictable access to power, available land, and clear regulatory frameworks. These conditions are essential to support future growth.
With the right follow up, Norway can strengthen its position as a leading host country for digital services. At the same time, the industry can deliver local value creation, support the green transition, and enhance national security.
“We hope authorities will follow the strategy with concrete measures,” Bjerke concludes. “Clear and predictable frameworks make a real difference in development processes.”