Polar plans 40MW AI-ready data center in Herøya, Norway

By AI, Created 4:24 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Polar Data Centers has announced HER01, a new 39,000-square-meter site at Herøya Industrial Park in Porsgrunn, Norway, as part of its broader AI infrastructure buildout. The project will run on renewable hydroelectric power and is designed for high-density AI workloads, highlighting the race to scale cleaner, more efficient data centers in Europe.

Why it matters: - Polar is adding more AI-ready capacity in Norway, where renewable power and a cool climate can lower operating costs for high-density computing. - The Herøya project is designed for large-scale AI and high-performance computing workloads, a segment that is pushing demand for faster, more efficient infrastructure across Europe.

What happened: - Polar Data Centers announced the latest phase of its AI-ready data center development in Norway on May 12, 2026. - The new project will be built at Herøya Industrial Park in Porsgrunn and will be known as HER01. - The site is about 130 kilometers from Oslo. - The 39,000-square-meter property is ready for construction. - The initial capacity is expected to be around 40MW. - The facility will be powered entirely by 100% renewable hydroelectric energy.

The details: - The Herøya site is part of Polar’s expanding Norwegian data center strategy. - Polar says the site is intended for long-term, large-scale deployment of AI-focused infrastructure. - The company says its AI-first design approach is meant to help customers deploy infrastructure faster, at higher densities, and with greater long-term efficiency. - The facility is targeting a PUE of 1.12. - The site will be designed to Tier 3 standards. - Advanced liquid cooling and high-density rack configurations are planned for AI workloads. - Andy Hayes, Polar’s CEO, said the development extends the company’s Norway expansion strategy and reflects continued investment in locations that combine renewable energy, strong connectivity and favorable environmental conditions. - Paul Hicks, Polar’s VP of Acquisitions, said the site has access to abundant sustainable power and a highly skilled local workforce. - Polar said it expects to work with the Kommune of Porsgrunn, Heroya Industrial Park and local businesses to deliver the facility.

Between the lines: - The project shows Polar leaning into Norway as a core geography for AI infrastructure, not just a single-site opportunity. - The emphasis on renewable energy, liquid cooling and Tier 3 design suggests Polar is targeting customers that care about both performance and power efficiency. - The company is also signaling a broader European strategy, using Norway as a platform for a wider portfolio of AI-ready data centers.

What’s next: - Construction is expected to move forward now that the site is ready. - Polar will likely continue building out its Norwegian footprint as part of its European expansion plan. - Local coordination with Porsgrunn, Heroya Industrial Park and nearby businesses will be part of delivering the facility.

The bottom line: - Polar is turning Herøya into a new AI infrastructure hub, backed by renewable power and designed for scale.