As a location for data centers, Norway offers unique advantages:

• Abundant renewable energy
• Cool climate
• Accessible land
• Leading in heat reuse and carbon capture
• Political stability and predictable regulatory framework
• Growing market demand

These conditions, combined with major investments and a dynamic business environment, have attracted global players such as Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, and Nvidia, as well as driven innovative projects by Norwegian developers. Market trends are defined by evolving services and business models, cloud and AI hosted by global tech firms, secure hosting focused on sovereignty and data localization, and a legal landscape that is constantly changing. The sector’s complexity and pace mean cross-disciplinary expertise is essential—and, as rapid market dynamics lead to complex contracts, possible litigation is an increasing consideration.

Why Choose Haavind?

Haavind has one of Norway’s largest and most experienced teams within technology, real estate, energy, transactions, and construction. Our cross-disciplinary experts combine industry insight and pragmatic advice to ensure your data center projects succeed, from initial planning to operation and beyond. We advise many of Norway’s leading companies and public entities throughout the entire data center value chain.

Our Track Record

In recent years, Haavind’s lawyers have assisted on some of the most exciting and significant data center projects in Norway, including:

• Establishment of joint ventures for data center development, including negotiation and drafting of shareholder agreements, anchor tenant agreements, land purchases, and zoning solutions
• Major real estate transactions for data center development
• Data center construction projects of significant scale
• Rezoning of properties for data center use
• Power agreements and securing network capacity for large-scale facilities
• Acquisitions and divestments of data center companies, including complex financing issues
• Preparation and negotiation of co-location agreements for operators dealing with hyperscalers and high-profile customers

Our lawyers stay ahead of industry trends by working on leading projects for top clients, attending key industry events, and following international developments with our partners. This keeps us at the forefront of legal, technological, and commercial changes impacting the industry.

The Norwegian data center sector is characterized by rapid development and increasing complexity. Haavind’s cross-disciplinary expertise and market insight ensure that you receive proactive, future-proof legal counsel — helping you address the challenges and seize the opportunities that define the industry’s future.