Official government publications or statements from the Norwegian Ministry of Energy

Norway First in EU to Limit Data Centers, Targets Crypto Mining

Apr 15, 2024, 01:27 PM

Norway has become the first country in the EU to pass legislation specifically targeting data centers, with a focus on curbing energy-intensive industries such as cryptocurrency mining. The new law aims to control which data center projects are allowed to operate, effectively legalizing discrimination based on power usage. This move is part of an effort to address environmental concerns, as cryptocurrency mining is associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions. Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland, emphasized that the law is intended to 'close the door on the projects we do not want,' specifically citing crypto mining as an undesirable industry due to its environmental impact. Critics argue that Aasland's stance shows a lack of understanding of energy, Bitcoin, and emissions.