Article

District heating currently covers 10-15% of Norway's energy needs, with a theoretical potential of 50 TWh. Critics argue that data centers should develop district heating projects due to their electricity usage.

However, the heat generated by data centers is relatively low compared to other industries, necessitating separate low-temperature district heating networks. There is a perception of unfair treatment toward data centers compared to other energy-intensive industries.

In Mo i Rana, where district heating has been operational since 1985, various industries and public buildings utilize this system, serving as a model for implementation. However, new connections to the district heating network have stalled due to economic factors, leading to a reduced connection requirement for new buildings.

The recent budget cuts have made electricity cheaper, further diminishing the appeal of district heating. Political decisions are needed to incentivize district heating development, making current industry mandates seem like unfair treatment.