“When the market really took off in 2022 and 2023, we were already active. We had been involved for several years,” says Johannes Eide of Omega 365 Consulting. 

Together with colleague Sveinung Trygg, he has followed the development closely, from the first projects in existing mountain halls and buildings to today’s large-scale new builds involving multi-billion investments. 

Omega 365 Consulting contributes experienced consultants across disciplines such as project management, engineering, IT, planning, cost control, and HSE. By combining specialist expertise with structured project methodologies and digital project tools, the company helps clients strengthen control, coordination, and predictability, and deliver complex initiatives efficiently, with sustainability in mind.

An early entry 

Omega 365’s entry into the data center market came through the Stavanger-based company Green Mountain. According to its website, Green Mountain designs, builds, and operates highly secure, innovative, and sustainable data centers in Norway, the UK, and Germany. The facilities are powered by low-cost, 100 percent renewable energy and are among the global leaders in energy efficiency. 

“Green Mountain became an important door opener for us. We built a strong network and have gradually delivered services to all four of the data centers they have developed in Norway,” says Trygg. 

In the early years, many data centers were established in existing buildings and mountain facilities, such as those at Rennesøy. Over time, the industry has shifted toward larger and more complex greenfield developments, including a major project in Hamar, which became central to Omega 365’s involvement. 

“In Hamar, we were involved throughout the entire process, from groundwork and concrete to final testing and handover. That included planning, electrical and mechanical disciplines, HSE, project management, cost control, and procurement,” says Eide, adding that Omega 365 Norway has also played an important role on the software side of the business.

“We are particularly strong during the construction phase and in the lead-up to handover to operations. That’s where Omega 365 Consulting demonstrates the strength and breadth of our highly qualified professionals,” adds Trygg. 

More than just buildings 

Data centers are highly technical facilities with significant complexity and are often more comparable to process plants than traditional commercial buildings. 

“It’s about cooling, energy management, and advanced technical systems. Much of the expertise we’ve built in oil and gas and other onshore industries is directly transferable,” says Eide. 

For Omega 365 Consulting, the focus on data centers has also been strategically important. 

“It’s important for us to have several legs to stand on. Oil and gas will remain central, but data centers provide diversification and new market opportunities. It’s also important for us to be a key supplier to green industries, and this is a field we know many consultants want to work in.” 

A growing industry and a public debate 

The need for data storage has grown rapidly in recent years. Streaming services, cloud solutions, and the digitalization of both the public and private sectors are driving this development.

“Society wants more security, more control, and greater accessibility. That means data has to be stored and managed somewhere. Norway has several advantages: political stability, a cool climate, and strong access to renewable energy. That makes the country attractive to international players,” says Eide.

As these projects scale, the ability to deliver them efficiently and as sustainably as possible becomes increasingly important. That requires the right expertise and robust project management software to plan, coordinate, and execute complex builds with stronger control over time, cost, resources, and environmental impact.

At the same time, data centers are part of an ongoing public debate, particularly related to power consumption and land use.

“All industries face public discussion. Data centers use a significant amount of electricity, and that must be taken seriously. At the same time, we see that these projects bring substantial investment to local communities, both in infrastructure and jobs,” says Trygg.

Patience and relationships 

The company’s investment in the sector has been long-term. The first assignments were small and short in duration. 

“There was limited volume in the beginning. But we believed in both the customer and the industry,” says Eide. 

Relationships have played an important role in the development. He highlights key individuals at Green Mountain who showed trust in Omega 365 at an early stage. 

“It’s about delivering quality over time. Trust is built through projects, not presentations.” 

Today, the company receives inquiries from several players in the market and sees clear growth in activity. 

“If all the planned data center projects in Norway are realized, we’re talking about enormous investments and a significant need for expertise in the years ahead. We hope to be a relevant partner in many of these projects,” says Trygg. 

In the short term, a new project with Green Mountain is underway. Omega 365 Consulting is also contributing to the development of Terakraft’s data center in Sauda and to the data center being established for Google in Skien. 

Part of the industry of the future 

For Omega 365 Consulting, data centers represent more than just a new market. 

“We have many years of experience in a relatively young industry. That gives us a competitive advantage,” says Eide. 

Both describe data center projects as professionally demanding and rewarding. 

“These are complex and technically advanced projects. For those of us working as consultants, they are both challenging and motivating. This is an industry we want to continue being part of,” says Trygg.