NDI opposes proposed national licensing scheme

Reynir Johannesson, Managing director NDI. Photo: Kilian Munch

Norwegian Datacenter Industry (NDI) submitted its response to Stortingets hearing on Document 8:60 S (2025–2026) concerning a proposed national licensing scheme for data centres and a ban on cryptocurrency mining.

NDI, which represents more than 120 companies (data center operators and supplier industry), does not support the introduction of a new national licensing regime for data centres.

“Norway has a comprehensive and well-functioning regulatory framework for land use, power connections, security and environmental considerations,” says Reynir Johannesson, Managing Director of NDI. “A new licensing system would create unnecessary regulation, increase uncertainty for investors and risk weakening Norway’s competitiveness as a host country for critical digital infrastructure.”

The association emphasises that data centres are already subject to strengthened national regulation, including mandatory registration, stricter security requirements and increased oversight by public authorities. Municipalities should also continue to play a central role. According to NDI, the proposed licensing scheme will only delay or prevent investments in data centers, undermine long-term political predictability, and increase Norway’s dependence on data centres located abroad to meet domestic digital needs. At the same time, NDI supports a clear and targeted ban on data centres dedicated to cryptocurrency mining.

“In this case, there is a documented need for clearer regulatory tools for the municipalities,” said Johannesson. “Data centres that support digitalisation, critical services and artificial intelligence must be clearly distinguished from cryptocurrency mining, which delivers limited value creation.”

NDI stresses that any such ban must be precisely defined to avoid unintended consequences for ordinary data centres delivering cloud services and high-performance computing. Regarding the utilisation of surplus heat, NDI supports increased use where it is technically and economically viable, but warns against rigid national location requirements. These considerations should continue to be addressed through local planning processes and dialogue.

“Stable, predictable and knowledge-based framework conditions are essential if Norway is to succeed as a host country for secure and sustainable digital infrastructure in the years ahead.” Reynir Johannesson concludes.

Read the proposal here, and read NDI’s response here (in Norwegian).