VivoPower has begun construction on the first phase of a 40MW AI data centre conversion at its facility in Mo i Rana, northern Norway.
The infrastructure firm is redeveloping the site to match the operational specifications of an AI tenant.
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Regional contractor Øijord & Aanes Entreprenørforretning, a firm operating in the area for more than 60 years, will deliver the site works in accordance with relevant licenses and permits.
Local contractors are carrying out demolition, site preparation, and construction of the main building’s superstructure in line with Norwegian planning and building regulations.
Once these preliminary phases are complete, the project will move to a full mechanical and electrical fit-out.
VivoPower has reviewed tenders from international data centre suppliers and plans to award the installation contract soon.
VivoPower chief real estate officer Shane Whelan said: “We have deliberately engaged with the local construction supply chain, and we are delighted to be working with Mo i Rana firms such as Øijord & Aanes, IMTAS and TH Blikk.
“Their skills and local knowledge will be invaluable as we move from site works towards the mechanical and electrical fit-out phase.
“We remain committed to delivering on a ready-for-service (RFS) date as expeditiously as possible but without compromising quality and safety given the long-duration nature of the infrastructure asset being built.”
VivoPower has also engaged other local businesses, including Mo Industripark engineering and maintenance specialist IMTAS, as well as roofing and façade contractor TH Blikk AS, which maintains a 64-person workforce.
The developer said prioritising local suppliers aims to stimulate employment and economic activity while leveraging regional industrial expertise.
VivoPower acquired the operational Mo i Rana facility on 21 April 2026 and has placed 30MW of its existing capacity into regional grid balancing services. The 40MW conversion is also being planned to capture waste heat from cooling systems.
The company is evaluating potential reuse options with a local district heating provider and European specialists, targeting district heating networks, greenhouse food production, and land-based aquaculture.
VivoPower noted that no definitive agreements have been completed regarding heat reuse or other Power-to-X projects.
