Norwegian Firm Invests in AI Boom in the Arctic
▼ Summary
– Aker plans to build an AI “factory” in Narvik, Norway, leveraging Arctic green energy and natural cooling for data centers.
– The facility will have access to 230MW of power, with construction ready to start and partnerships under discussion.
– Aker’s CEO highlighted the region’s advantages, including affordable hydropower and conditions for innovation and investment.
– The Nordic region is attracting major tech investments, like Google’s €1bn expansion in Finland and Microsoft’s $3.2bn boost in Sweden.
– The Nordics are emerging as a hub for AI infrastructure, with local players like Silo AI and now Aker joining the trend.
A Norwegian investment firm is making waves by launching an ambitious AI data center project in the Arctic, capitalizing on the region’s abundant renewable energy and natural cooling advantages. Aker, a major industrial player, revealed plans to construct an advanced computing facility in Narvik, a coastal town situated deep within the Arctic Circle. The company’s CEO, Øyvind Eriksen, confirmed the site already has access to 230MW of power, with construction set to begin soon.
While specifics about the facility’s operations remain under wraps, Eriksen emphasized its potential to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and boost export revenues. He highlighted northern Norway’s competitive edge, citing its cost-effective hydropower and sustainable energy infrastructure as key factors attracting tech investments. “AI and data centers are reshaping global industries, and this region is perfectly positioned to lead that transformation,” he added.
Aker, backed by billionaire Kjell Inge Rokke, has been steadily expanding its tech portfolio, including stakes in AI-driven ventures like Seetee and Cognite. The Narvik project marks another strategic move, allowing the firm to establish an early foothold in a high-growth sector.
The Arctic is emerging as a prime destination for AI infrastructure, joining a broader Nordic trend. Google recently poured an additional €1 billion into its Finnish data center to meet soaring AI demand, while Microsoft invested $3.2 billion in Swedish cloud and AI facilities. Smaller players like Nebius are also scaling up, tripling GPU capacity in Sweden to support AI workloads.
Beyond global tech giants, local innovators are making their mark. Finland’s Silo AI, acquired by AMD for $665 million, exemplifies the region’s growing influence in AI development. With Aker’s latest venture, the Arctic could soon become a pivotal hub in Europe’s high-stakes AI expansion, blending cutting-edge technology with sustainable energy solutions.
(Source: The Next Web)
