Ambitious plans for a New Data Center Cluster in western Norway

With a new substation creating Norway’s strongest power hub and direct fiber connections to UK and Europe, everything is in place for the most promising data center cluster in Norway. “Kalberg Valley” has all the prerequisites to attract international hyperscalers, colos and enterprise data centers. Green Mountain is already planning their expansion in this new area.

The global demand for data center capacity is increasing rapidly and Norway has attracted a lot of attention as the sustainable choice for data center location. In Kalberg, on the western coast of Norway, several stakeholders have ambitious plans to develop a new DC cluster to compete with the traditional European hubs. “There are few places in the Nordic region where the conditions are as favorable as at Kalberg.” Green Mountain CEO, Tor Kristian Gyland, explains. He plans to develop their next data center at this site. “We already have request from several international clients.”

In short, the reasons for the area’s attractiveness are:

• The national grid company, Statnett is now building a new substation at Fagrafjell, making this area one of the strongest power hubs in the country. Completion date: 2023.
• The substation is fed from 3 separate hydro power production areas. This location will have abundant and reliable supply of renewable power from hydro and wind of about 1000MW within 36 months.
• A regional consortium led by Lyse is building a new subsea fiber cable connecting Norway to the UK. In addition, the cable will be part of the Euroconnect1 network connecting this part of Norway with hubs such as London, Brussels, Amsterdam and Hamburg.The project will be completed in 2021.
• Free cooling from the nearby fjord or air increases power efficiency.
• The excess heat from the data centers can be sent to the district heating plant 7 km away or be used to support industries like vertical greenhouses, land-based fish farms or bio-gas production in the area.
• The area is strategically located within a short distance from international airport (15km) and university (20 km).

Together with Lyse, Green Mountain recently conducted a study outlining the different scenarios for growth and employment. “In the high-case scenario we expect the area to grow bigger than the cluster in Lulelå, Sweden, where Facebook has established. I am confident that this is the most promising area for data center development in Norway today.” Gyland concludes.