Østfold Energi Eyes Data Centers South of Oslo

Another data center may be on the way in Norway. Østfold Energi is preparing sites in Sarpsborg and Våler in partnership with local municipalities, with Google likely to take the Våler location.

“We have extensive experience with project development in collaboration with landowners, local communities, and host municipalities. Projects like this can create new jobs and contribute to the income and activity that local communities in Østfold need,” said Morten Karlsen, director of industrial ownership and framework conditions at Østfold Energi.

DC Sarpsborg holds a long-term option on 1,740 acres in Hasle, with the site capable of supporting around 300MW. The Sarpsborg municipality has also moved to expand the zoning plan boundary to establish a larger buffer zone.

In Gylderåsen, Våler, the project is being advanced by KI Valer AS, majority-owned by Østfold Energi and the municipality. Google has secured development rights and applied for grid capacity, though the project remains at an early stage with no final investment decision. Valer, in Østfold south of Oslo and north of Sarpsborg, is also near Skien, where Google began building a data center campus in February 2024.

Østfold Energi noted that the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce conducted a preliminary project in 2017 where 21 possible locations for data centers in Østfold were assessed. Østfold Energi stepped in as a commercial partner in 2019 to explore opportunities for collaboration, establishing KI Våler and DC Sarpsborg.