Statnett, the national transmission system operator, announced an immediate suspension of any further high‑voltage grid reservations for data‑centre projects.

The pause is intended to give regulators time to devise stricter entry criteria that prioritise facilities delivering the greatest societal benefit.

Statnett said the suspension will remain in force until 1 August 2027 at the latest.

Digitalisation Minister Torgeir Micaelsen reiterated the need to control data‑centre growth, stressing that not all types of centres are suitable for Norway.

Current grid data show that 800 MW of data‑centre load is already connected, while 4,200 MW has been earmarked for future use and 9,100 MW sits in a queue awaiting capacity.

Requests for an additional 18,000 MW have also been lodged, pushing total demand for data‑centre power to over 32,000 MW—well beyond Norway’s peak national demand of roughly 25,000 MW.

One high‑profile project, the Glomfjord data centre built by UK‑based Nscale for ByteDance, is operating at 6.4 MW of a planned 30 MW and is six months behind schedule.