Major international investment boosts Lefdal Mine Datacenter in Nordfjord

LMD, located in a former olivine mine near Nordfjordeid, has grown into one of Norway’s most distinctive data center facilities. With 37 MW of operational customer capacity and an additional 43 MW currently under construction, the site is positioned for substantial future expansion. Only one of the mine’s six underground levels is presently in use for data centre operations, offering considerable long‑term growth potential. Lefdal Mine Datacenter has long positioned itself as a frontrunner in green data centre operations.

Preparing further expansion

With a new majority owner behind it, the company is gearing up for its next phase of expansion.

- The contracted existing capacity provides strong downside protection, and we see attractive growth opportunities to create value. We look forward to working with the management team to deliver a strong outcome for 3iN, commented Bernardo Sottomayor, Managing Partner and Head of European Infrastructure, 3i Investments plc, as the news were released.

The company benefits from long-term, availability-based inflation-linked contracts, providing strong revenue visibility and protection. Customer stickiness is reinforced by their substantial capital investment in hardware and bespoke infrastructure, creating high switching costs.

3i Infrastructure highlights Norway’s stable access to renewable energy. LMD benefits from Norway’s low-cost and robust power supply, and the company leverages its underground location and closed-loop seawater cooling technology to deliver superior efficiency.

The former olivine mine near Nordfjordeid marks LMD one of Norway’s most distinctive data center facilities. Olivine has many uses, such as the gemstone peridot (or chrysolite), as well as industrial applications like metalworking processes.

Strengthening Vestland’s position

The investment underscores Vestland’s growing importance as a European hub for sustainable digital infrastructure. With global demand for data capacity continuing to rise, the ability to combine green power, low operating costs, and competitive cooling solutions makes the region increasingly attractive to international investors.

3i Infrastructure’s purpose is to invest responsibly in infrastructure. The acquisition is made from a fund managed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments, whose largest investor will reinvest and continue as co‑owner alongside 3i Infrastructure. Completion of the transaction is expected in the summer of 2026.