Norway is introducing a moratorium on the technical connection of data centers to power grids until August 1 next year.
"These measures are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the energy system," Statnett said in a press release.
During this period, the Norwegian government will develop and introduce a data center licensing system. Priority will be given to projects that are "really necessary". For example, for the police and emergency services, critical infrastructure. those. Not AI projects of IT giants.
They previously wrote that Norway risks a shortage of electricity by 2035 due to the rapid increase in demand from data centers.
Norwegian data centers consumed 3.2 terawatt-hours of electricity last year. This is four times more than three years ago. Data centers also account for about half of the electricity allocated to new grid projects.
The state government wants data centers to provide their own electricity and build their own gas-fired power plants with CO2 capture.
Energy today without VPN: max / site.