VivoPower Mobilizes Construction of 40MW AI Data Center Conversion in Mo i Rana, Norway
VivoPower has selected a global AI industry leader as its preferred AI tenant for the Mo i Rana facility
Experienced Mo i Rana-based contractor Øijord & Aanes Entreprenørforretning AS engaged to deliver conversion site works in accordance with relevant permits and licenses
Enabling works and main building superstructure to be delivered by Mo i Rana-based contractors, ahead of full mechanical and electrical fit-out by a specialist data center EPC firm
VivoPower committed to engaging as many local suppliers and contractors as possible at Mo i Rana and plans to do the same at other future AI data center facilities globally
VivoPower is also working to reuse waste heat from the AI data center for productive purposes in line with its Power-to-X strategy
LONDON, UK / MO I RANA, NORWAY, Oct. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VivoPower PLC (Nasdaq: VIVO) ("VivoPower" or the "Company"), a leading B Corp-certified global developer and owner of powered land and data center infrastructure for AI compute applications, today announced the mobilization of construction for the conversion of a 40MW first phase AI data center at its Mo i Rana facility in northern Norway. The Company also confirmed that the site works package will be delivered by experienced Mo i Rana-based contractors, Øijord & Aanes Entreprenørforretning AS , who have been operating in the region for more than 60 years.
Demolition, enabling works and the main building superstructure, amongst other elements, will be delivered by local Mo i Rana contractors, in accordance with applicable Norwegian planning and building regulations. These work packages will be completed in advance of the full mechanical and electrical fit-out of the facility, for which VivoPower has conducted a tender review process with leading international data center supply chain partners. The Company expects to award and announce this contract shortly and will update accordingly.
The design and delivery of the AI data center conversion will be in accordance with the AI tenant’s requirements. In addition, VivoPower is engaged with local industry on Power-to-X use cases, including the use of waste heat to support and promote local industry and community growth. Further details will be shared at the appropriate time.
Commitment to the Mo i Rana Supply Chain
VivoPower is committed to using as many local Mo i Rana suppliers and contractors as possible throughout the delivery of the project.
In addition to Øijord & Aanes Entreprenørforretning AS, the Company has already engaged with other local contractors, including:
IMTAS – a Mo i Rana-based provider of engineering, fabrication, installation and maintenance services across industry, construction and energy, operating from Mo Industripark; and
TH Blikk AS – a Mo i Rana-based building, façade and roofing contractor with more than 15 years of experience and a team of 64 employees.
By prioritizing local contractors, VivoPower aims to support employment, skills development and economic activity in the Rana region. It will also draw on the industrial expertise built up in the Mo i Rana industrial precinct over many decades.
VivoPower completed the acquisition of the operational Mo i Rana data center on April 21, 2026, and amongst other things has enrolled 30MW of the existing facility in grid balancing services, which provide support to the stability of the regional power grid.
Commitment to Power-to-X Use Cases
VivoPower’s Power-to-X strategy is focused on securing the highest and best use of every megawatt of its power infrastructure. At Mo i Rana, that extends beyond AI compute to the heat the facility generates and the flexibility it can offer the Norwegian power system.
The 40MW AI data center conversion is being designed with the aim of capturing waste heat from its cooling systems for productive reuse, subject to technical and commercial feasibility. VivoPower is working with a local district heating provider and European specialist firms to evaluate how that heat could be used. This includes supplying district heating to homes, businesses and community organizations in Mo i Rana and supporting the growth of heat-intensive local industries, including but not limited to land-based aquaculture and greenhouse food production.
Mo i Rana is well placed for this and reusing heat from the AI data center would build on that established model of industrial symbiosis. No definitive agreements have been entered into as yet in relation to heat reuse or other Power-to-X use cases, but VivoPower will provide further details as arrangements are finalized.
Shane Whelan, Chief Real Estate Officer of VivoPower, 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."
Stein Rune Øijord, Chief Executive Officer of Øijord & Aanes, said: “Øijord & Aanes looks forward to a strong and close collaboration with VivoPower. We are proud to contribute to an exciting project that creates new opportunities for Mo i Rana.”
Tommy Høgås, Chief Executive Officer of TH Blikk AS, said: “Blikk looks forward to the opportunity for a strong and exciting collaboration with VivoPower in the years ahead. New development is positive for the local community, and we recognize the wider benefits it will bring to other local businesses. We are grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this project and strongly believe in its potential – both for the stakeholders involved and for the city as a whole. We look forward to contributing and achieving great results together.”
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