Eltrode provides sustainable solutions to an AI gigaproject in Northern Norway

Eltrode provides sustainable solutions to an AI gigaproject in Northern Norway

Eltrode provides sustainable heating, cooling and building drying to an AI project

In Kvanndalen, near Narvik in Northern Norway, one of Europe's most ambitious artificial intelligence infrastructure projects is rapidly taking shape. Behind the development is Aker Nscale AS – a joint venture between Aker ASA and AI infrastructure company Nscale – with plans to establish one of Europe's largest AI data centers powered entirely by renewable Norwegian hydropower. As part of this groundbreaking project, Eltrode is supplying advanced heat pump solutions for construction heating, cooling, climate control and building drying.

A project of European significance

The Kvandal AI Data Center is designed for a future capacity of up to 520 MW and is expected to become one of Europe's largest facilities dedicated to artificial intelligence. Developed across multiple construction phases, the site will host vast amounts of computing power required to train and operate next-generation AI systems. The project has attracted considerable international attention due to its scale, strategic location and access to reliable renewable energy. Northern Norway offers a unique combination of abundant hydropower, low carbon intensity and a naturally cool climate – making it an ideal location for energy-intensive digital infrastructure. Construction is already well underway, with large-scale steel structures, advanced technical installations and complex infrastructure being built under demanding Arctic conditions.

Complete climate control with Eltrode heat pumps

To ensure optimal conditions throughout the construction process, Eltrode delivers mobile heat pump systems capable of providing heating, cooling and building drying from a single platform.

The solutions contribute to:

  • Construction heating during all project phases
  • Effective building drying and moisture control
  • Cooling of entire buildings and construction zones when required
  • Temporary air conditioning for large-scale construction projects
  • Stable temperatures for technical installations and sensitive equipment
  • Improved working conditions for contractors and personnel
  • Reduced construction moisture and faster project progress
  • Significantly lower energy consumption compared to traditional heating and cooling systems
  • Reduced carbon emissions throughout the construction phase

Unlike conventional solutions that require separate systems for heating and cooling, Eltrode heat pumps provide both functions from the same unit. This creates a flexible, energy-efficient climate control solution that can adapt to changing project requirements throughout the year.

Image of the data center seen from a distance.

Heating in winter. Cooling in summer.

Modern construction projects face varying climate challenges throughout the year.

During cold winter periods, reliable heating is essential for construction quality, worker comfort and project progress. During warmer periods, large buildings, technical rooms and enclosed construction zones often require cooling to maintain optimal working conditions and protect valuable equipment.

Eltrode's heat pumps can seamlessly switch between heating and cooling modes, functioning as large-scale mobile HVAC systems for the construction site.

This enables contractors to use the same equipment for:

  • Construction heating
  • Building drying
  • Temporary air conditioning
  • Comfort cooling
  • Climate control
  • Technical cooling
  • Temperature stabilization
  • The result is a more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable construction process.

Built for demanding conditions

The Narvik region is known for harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy precipitation and long periods of low temperatures. At the same time, modern buildings and technical installations can generate significant internal heat loads that require active cooling and ventilation. Controlled heating, cooling and dehumidification are therefore critical for both quality assurance and project efficiency. Eltrode's mobile heat pumps distribute conditioned air through flexible insulated duct systems, providing reliable climate control throughout the building. Designed for continuous operation in demanding environments, the systems can be deployed in projects ranging from 500 to more than 100,000 square metres.

Sustainability through every phase

The AI data center will ultimately operate on renewable hydropower, with sustainability serving as a key pillar of the project. It is therefore natural that the construction phase also relies on energy-efficient technologies. Eltrode is a leading European supplier of heat pump-based solutions for construction heating, cooling and building drying. By combining high heating capacity, powerful cooling performance and low energy consumption, the company helps contractors reduce both operating costs and environmental impact.

Building the infrastructure of the future

The Kvandal AI Data Center represents far more than a major investment in Norwegian industry and technology. It demonstrates how future infrastructure can be built with energy efficiency, sustainability and intelligent resource management at its core. Eltrode is proud to contribute to this landmark project with advanced heat pump technology for heating, cooling and climate control – supporting one of Europe's most exciting developments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. As data centers, industrial facilities and large-scale construction projects continue to grow in complexity, flexible climate control solutions will become increasingly important.

Eltrode is ready to meet that challenge.

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