Norway to Introduce Regulated Data Centre Law

by

As an analyst with a background in environmental policy and technology, I strongly support Norway’s initiative to regulate data centers and differentiate between socially beneficial ones and those that harm the climate through crypto-mining. This is a crucial step towards promoting sustainable digitalization while minimizing the negative environmental impact of the growing data center industry.

As a researcher studying the developments in the European data center industry, I’m excited to share that Norway is leading the way by establishing a regulated system for data centers. The goal is to distinguish between those that contribute positively to society and those whose operations negatively impact the climate through crypto-mining. To achieve this, two separate categories will be created within the industry.

Ministers of Trade and Industry, Karianne Tung and Terje Aasland, are advocating for new legislation that mandates data centers to disclose comprehensive information about their offerings. Municipalities play a crucial role in this process by possessing the power to identify suitable sites and issue permits for data center construction.

The government’s decision to take action against crypto-mining projects is a proactive step, taken in light of the significant financial outflow these projects have been causing. According to Minister Tung, such projects will be shut down only if they fail to meet a minimum social requirement. The process of digitalization is underway, driven by various factors with data playing a crucial role. In related news, the Hong Kong Securities & Futures Professionals Association (HKSFP) advocates for self-regulation in the crypto sector. Their proposal suggests establishing self-regulatory committees to supervise growth in this area, allowing for a balance between surveillance and development by the Hong Kong government.

Read More

2024-05-10 05:08