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Microsoft has entered a $6.2 billion agreement with AI hyperscaler Nscale and Norwegian industrial firm Aker to develop a renewable-powered AI data infrastructure in Northern Norway. The five-year project, dubbed “Stargate Norway,” will deliver computing capacity fueled entirely by hydropower, supporting Europe’s push for sovereign cloud capabilities.
The site is expected to host up to 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs by 2026, addressing growing demand for energy-efficient AI workloads. Norway’s abundant renewable energy, cool climate, and industrial readiness make it a strategic location for the initiative.
The deal builds on a joint venture between Nscale and Aker announced in July, aimed at establishing large-scale AI infrastructure. Øyvind Eriksen, CEO of Aker, described the agreement as a milestone for Norway’s role in enabling secure, sustainable digital infrastructure.
Microsoft’s move aligns with its broader environmental goals, including carbon negativity and zero waste by 2030. The company has introduced supplier decarbonization policies and continues to invest in carbon removal technologies.
For Europe, the project supports digital sovereignty and reduces reliance on non-EU infrastructure. For global investors and executives, it underscores the growing importance of renewable energy access in scaling AI and cloud services.
Microsoft-France-HQ-@-Issy-les-Moulineaux-picture-by-Guilhem-Vellut
