Green Mountain, a leading data center operator in Norway, has received a request from a large international client seeking to establish itself near the new Fagrafjell transformer station. This development has propelled Green Mountain to embark on a project to construct a massive data center campus. The first construction phase has been requested to be completed by January 2025, while the final phase must be finished by 2027. With an investment totaling over NOK 50 billion ($4.61 billion), this cutting-edge data center campus will be a significant addition to Norway’s tech infrastructure landscape.
The Data Center Project
Green Mountain’s ambitious data center project aims to meet the requirements of technology clients and the growing demand for data storage and processing. Upon full completion, the data center campus will consist of up to eight data halls, providing ample space for state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure. The timelines set by the clients indicate the urgency and importance of the project. The investment of over NOK 50 billion demonstrates the magnitude of the endeavor and the potential economic benefits it could bring.
Positive impact
Svein Atle Hagaseth, CEO of Green Mountain, is optimistic about the project’s positive ripple effects. He believes it will significantly contribute to value creation, generate new jobs, foster competence development, and more. The establishment of a data center campus of this magnitude will not only reinforce Green Mountain’s position as a key player in the industry but also drive economic growth and create employment opportunities in the region.
Utilization of Waste Heat
In addition to its main data center operations, Green Mountain recognizes the value of its waste heat and plans to leverage it for various purposes. The company aims to prepare the necessary infrastructure for other businesses to harness the waste heat generated by the data center. The opportunities range from food production in greenhouses, land-based fish farming, district heating, and even drying facilities. This innovative approach demonstrates Green Mountain’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.
Green Mountain’s expansion
This latest endeavor by Green Mountain to build a data center campus in Norway is part of the company’s larger expansion strategy. In addition to its existing sites across Norway, Green Mountain recently announced plans for a new campus outside Frankfurt, Germany. These expansion plans signify the company’s continued growth and international presence, positioning Green Mountain as a global leader in the provision of data center services.
Local Support and the Green Industry
The Mayor of Time municipality, Andreas Vollsund, expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the region. With the majority in the municipal council in favor of the project, Vollsund believes it will significantly contribute to building new green industries in the area. This aligns with Green Mountain’s commitment to sustainable practices and the development of environmentally-friendly technologies. The project’s success will bring economic benefits to the local community while promoting sustainable business practices.
Existing infrastructure and capacity
Green Mountain’s existing 22-hectare plot in Kalberg offers immediate access to 3MW of power, with an additional 10MW expected to be available within the next 12 months. Furthermore, the planned Fagrafjell transformer station will offer up to 300MW of power, ensuring the data center campus has the capacity required to meet the growing demands of the technology client and any potential future clients.
Green Mountain’s new data center campus project marks a significant milestone in the company’s history and in Norway’s tech industry. With a multibillion-dollar investment, this state-of-the-art data center campus will not only meet the needs of a large international client but also create substantial positive ripple effects in terms of value creation, job opportunities, and competence development. Green Mountain’s innovative approach to waste heat utilization further demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. As Green Mountain expands its presence internationally, this project signals the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for data storage and processing, all while promoting sustainable practices in the industry.