Norway Plans to Regulate Data Center Industry to Deter Cryptocurrency Mining

In a bid to prevent Norway from becoming a hub for cryptocurrency mining data centers, the Norwegian government is set to introduce a dedicated legal framework for data center operators. This new regulation will require operators to register the owners, managers, and the types of digital services provided by their facilities. Local authorities will then have more information to make informed decisions on new projects, promoting data centers that benefit Norwegian society and its economy.

Karianne Tung, Norway’s digitization minister, stated that the purpose of this regulation is to close the door on projects that are not wanted. The government aims to gain better insight into the data centers operating within the country, their contents, and their functions. Tung expressed concerns about cryptomining, which is energy-intensive and often associated with black market transactions.

Energy Minister Terje Aasland added that cryptomining data centers contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions and are not desirable in Norway. While the exact number of cryptomining data centers in Norway is unknown, the overall data center sector in the country has been growing. Companies like Green Mountain have been building new data centers, attracting clients such as TikTok and Google.

The data center industry is booming, and with this growth comes a growing need for regulations. Norway’s move to regulate the data center is a welcome development.