Norwegian industrial investment firm Aker ASA, the conglomerate controlled by Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Rokke, plans to set up a AI data center facility in Narvik, 220km from the Arctic Circle.
'The exponential growth of data is also fueling demand for advanced data infrastructure,' Chief Executive Officer Oyvind Eriksen said in a statement. 'AI and data centers are becoming foundational to global business, and northern Norway is uniquely positioned to benefit. The region offers abundant, affordable hydropower and clean energy, along with the conditions needed to attract investment and foster innovation.'
The company has access to 230 megawatts of power, as well as a site ready for construction, he said. The facility will 'serve as a catalyst for industrial development, job creation, and export revenues', Eriksen said.
Aker’s portfolio includes ten listed and eight unlisted companies, in areas including energy, digitalization, marine biotechnology and capital management.
