Norway's grid operator Statnett pauses new grid capacity reservations for data centres until August 2027
Statnett says data centres' fast, software-driven load swings threaten safe system operation; existing connections and already approved sites are not affected.
Why it matters
Norway has been one of Europe's favoured locations for AI data centres because of its cheap hydropower, so a halt by the national grid operator is a real constraint on the build-out. Statnett says 800 MW of data centres is connected today, 4,200 MW has reserved capacity, 9,100 MW is in the queue and requests cover a further 18,000 MW, against peak national demand of just over 25,000 MW. The pause is expected to be lifted by 1 August 2027 at the latest. Watch for the technical requirements Statnett develops in the meantime and the government's planned licensing scheme for data centres.
Key facts
- 800 MW of data centres connected
- 4,200 MW reserved, 9,100 MW queued
- Requests for a further 18,000 MW
- Norway peak demand just over 25,000 MW
- Pause expected to end by 1 August 2027
- Existing connections not affected