Oslo 2024

The European Green Deal: Transforming the Nordics Into the Sustainable Digital Backbone of Europe

Our opening keynote will delve into the European Green Deal's implications for data center Investors, data center operators, and enterprise data center end users. 

Diederik Samsom is recognized for his pivotal role in shaping the European Green Deal. His work is often described in terms of masterminding and steering the Green Deal, reflecting his deep involvement and strategic approach in aligning the 27 member states with the EU's climate targets. 

Datacenter Forum is back in Oslo, now celebrating its 10th anniversary!

This year, presentations from a wide variety of experts will immediately bring you up-to-date in all fields relating to managing & operating IT infrastructure. Hosted & moderated by Liselotte Lyngsø, Founder of Future Navigator.

Datacenter Changemakers Norway
Episode 1

Also back is Datacenter Changemakers Norway, our live talk show with the people who are changing the face of the data center industry. Case studies will shine an in-depth light on the most pressing issues facing the digital infrastructue sector, ranging from AI to implementing new sustainability regulation and ESG policy compliance.

All About AI – Policy & Strategy

The explosion in AI demand has significant implications for the data center industry and IT management. As AI technologies mature and are integrated across sectors, the need to collaborate closely with policymakers and local municipalities to create an enabling environment for further growth and development is critical. In light of Norway's AI Strategy, what should data center operators and digital infrastructure providers expect within Norway's market moving forward, and how can they take advantage of the opportunities it offers?

With:

Olivia Rekman – Innovation Adviser, Nordic Innovation

Mali Hole Skogen – Technology and Sustainability Director, IKT-Norge

Lovisa Hagelberg – Business Unit Director, CBRE Datacenter Solutions

All About AI – Digital Infrastructure Innovation

From ever-increasing energy needs, to innovative cooling requirements, AI applications and high-performing computing are fundamentally transforming data centers across the Nordics. This segment will explore how three Norwegian data center providers are navigating the complexities surrounding AI, working to meet their customer demands, and pioneering state-of-the-art innovation.

With:

Andreas Myr – CEO, AQ Compute Norway

David Hansen – Enterprise Public Sector Manager, Microsoft

Mats Andersson – Marketing Director, Lefdal Mine Datacenter

The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly: Hybrid IT in the Nordics

Over the next two years, a vast majority of infrastructure strategies will integrate a combination of on-premises, colocation, cloud, and edge delivery options. What are the drivers behind this trend, and how can IT operators manage the compliance, security, cost, and sustainability considerations of hybrid IT systems? And where exactly do you put your data? We'll debunk the latency myth, and explore why Norway is the innovative choice for high-performance computing and reliable data storage.

With:

Halvor Bjerke – CEO – Nordics, STACK Infrastructure
Ali Moinuddin – Chief Development Officer, Uptime Institute

Kristian Kofoed-Solheim – Business Development Director, Bulk Data Centers

AI Disruption: Challenges and Guidelines for Data Centers
 

Enterprises are continuing to adopt cloud computing and engage in digital transformation. But the leading driver of data center demand over the next year will be AI. We are projecting that for every new standard data center, there are going to be three additional AI data centers offering higher server densities. But that’s not the only way AI will be impacting this expanding industry. Schneider Electric has predicted that AI will enable operators to better manage their assets. Just as software has been automating operations, this year we’ll see AI-driven tools that can provide greater intelligence to utility and backup power control, cooling control, cross-domain operational optimization (digital twins), data center design and construction, maintenance, robotics, and more. In this presentation, we will provide critical guidance to address the challenges of the physical infrastructure category including power, cooling, racks, and software management.

Why Data Centers Should Care About Interconnection

For years, customers chose data centers for reliability, security, scalability, and efficiency. Today’s enterprise customers and content providers are looking beyond the traditional value of a data center and expect new value from them instead. Hear about interconnection and what the benefits are for you and your customers.

Efficient and Space-saving Cooling for High-density Colocation, and as a Safe Choice for the Future: Chillers with Natural Refrigerants

With Benjamin Hammer Espedalen, Sales and Project Manager, EPTEC Energi

The trend of increasing requirements for high-density racks and data centres is unstoppable. It is no longer rare to have 20+kW per rack, and liquid cooling is becoming irreplaceable for AI clusters with a heat load up to 100 kW and more. However, innovative unit design can help air cooling solutions close the gap of up to 50kW. We will show you how and why it’s an excellent solution for the high-density era.

The cooling power necessary for cooling down the racks must be produced as efficiently as possible, hence the importance of chillers. The chillers and their refrigerants also play a vital environmental role, and the impact of refrigerant choice can be immense. See why and how natural refrigerants are the safe choice, and the right choice, today and for the future.

Securing Data Centers: From Planning to Operation

Security and safety for a data center are crucial to ensure stable data delivery and maintain business continuity. When securing a data center, there are many elements to consider. Risk analysis and choosing the right location are essential starting points. This presentation focuses on redundant and robust security technology, physical security measures at multiple levels, interaction with other information systems, monitoring and surveillance, detecting and preventing security breaches, compliance with laws, regulations, industry standards, and certifications, and last but not least, important decisions, training, and collaboration with competent and stable security personnel.

Accelerate Your Projects with Digital Twin and Prefabricated Modules

Data centers are the backbone of our digital society and considered mission-critical infrastructure. But how can professionals keep up with the evolving complexities of running one? Across the project lifecycle, we can help you plan, design, build, operate, and scale more efficiently, sustainably, and resiliently. Our approach: smart technology that connects the real and digital worlds.

How Can Data Centers Become Sustainable?
 

With Mats Carselid, Ectogrid Solution Designer, E.ON

In today's sustainable city, we need to use energy with care. Efficient use of waste energy with sector coupling, demand for efficient energy distribution, and digital optimization will lead the way in the energy transition.

Data Center Survey – Norway Survey Insights

Join us during the announcement of the much-anticipated results of the Data Center Survey – Norway. This collaborative effort by Datacenter Forum and EPI, in partnership with the Norwegian Datacenter Industry, offers unparalleled insights into the trends and challenges of the local data center landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and network with industry peers.

Understanding Digital Infrastructure Cybersecurity in Today’s Interconnected World

Enterprise systems are becoming increasingly more complex, with underlying data centers becoming hyperconnected with myriad systems and services, causing the surface area for cyberattacks on IT systems and operational technology environments in data centers to exponentially expand. Join our discussion to learn about what you need to do to protect your critical infrastructure from malicious cyberattacks.

Datacenter Forum Presents: Industry Talks

Hosted by the Norwegian Datacenter Industry in collaboration with Datacenter Forum, this new format will discuss the most pressing topics the industry faces in Norway. It will also introduce the audience to their recently released report about the data center industry in Norway and the next steps for its growth.

With:

Kjetil Ertnes – Senior Advisor, DLE Consulting

Christiane Ulriksen – Advisory Board, NDI (moderator)
Mali Hole Skogen – Technology and Sustainability Director, IKT-Norge

Datacenter Changemakers Norway
Episode 2

Our live talk show with the people who are changing the face of the data center industry, hosted & moderated by Liselotte Lyngsø, Founder of Future Navigator.

Energy Availability & Investment

Data center markets across North America and mainland Europe increasingly face a significant challenge to growth and future investment: access to electricity. The Nordics have great connectivity with the rest of the world and – seemingly – room for growth to spare, ample space and plenty of renewable energy. How can Norway in particular continue to capitalize on its competitive energy advantage and generate new investment opportunities in the coming years?

With:

Jannicke Hilland – EVP & Head, Telenor Infrastructure

Jovita Januskeviciute – EMEA Research Manager, DC Byte

Benedicte Fasmer Waaler – Special Advisor, Invest in Norway

Halvor Lie – Senior Vice President, Customer and Grid Connection, Statnett

Atle Haga – Head Commercial Advisor, Industry Development, Statkraft & Member of the Board and Co-Founder, Norwegian Data Center Industry

Cool IT – Liquid Cooling in Norway

What does the growth of AI and high-performance computing mean for data center cooling? What impact will the implementation of liquid cooling have on legacy data centers and newly built facilities, but also the environment?

In this Nordic case study for AI, Green Mountain and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) will look at how the Nordic countries, and Norway especially, can cater to the new demands of AI workloads. Both in terms of technology and sustainability. You will also get insight into Green Mountain and HPE’s newest data center project in Norway and how it uses an innovative water-cooled solution.

With:

Svein Atle Hagaseth – CEO, Green Mountain

Thomas L. Kraft – Director, Hybrid Cloud Solutions, Nordic Cluster (DK/FI/NO) & Managing Director, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Norway

A Tsunami of Letters: ESG & Regulatory Compliance

With new policy, legislation, and regulation demanding more sustainable infrastructure going forward, data center operators must now face the (often-daunting) task of complying with sustainability reporting requirements. Amid the ever-growing importance of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards and the adoption of new regulations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), small data center operators in particular need to pay full attention to compliance. This segment will address what you need to do to prepare going forward.

Nelly Flatland – Head of Sustainability, ATEA

Mali Hole Skogen – Technology and Sustainability Director, IKT-Norge

Kaaren Hilsen – Chief Innovation & Sustainability Officer, Telenor Infrastructure