Inspired by "The Big Switch"Thøgersen's interest in data center development was shaped by Nicholas Carr's book "The Big Switch". The book compares the development of data centers with the history of electrification, from exclusive, local power plants to centralized facilities."Electricity evolved from being locally owned and operated, to where you simply connect to the grid without considering how the power is generated," he explains. This perspective helped him recognize the strategic value in Skygard's approach.Skygard's Three S's as Competitive AdvantageWhat attracted Thøgersen to Skygard was the combination of security, sovereignty, and sustainability - the three pillars that give the company a distinctive position in the market. While many players focus on one dimension, Skygard delivers on all three simultaneously."This approach is relevant not only for Norway, but also for customers in many other countries, particularly regarding high-security requirements," says Thøgersen, referencing the geopolitical tensions that make data sovereignty increasingly important.Technically, Skygard distinguishes itself with a power usage efficiency (PUE) of under 1.2, compared to a European average of 1.6. This provides not only environmental benefits, but also substantial cost savings for customers.For Thøgersen, Skygard represents more than data center capacity - it's about establishing a new export industry for Norway. "It's a unique opportunity for Norway to develop and create an export industry that operates without subsidization," he emphasizes.Unlike many other energy-intensive industries, data center operations are not subsidized, which makes it an optimal opportunity for Norway, according to Thøgersen.Trust as the FoundationBehind the technical efficiency lies something Thøgersen believes is even more important: trust. With ownership that includes the state through Hafslund and Oslo municipality, as well as the state's majority in Telenor, Skygard represents what he calls "reliable, stable owners" - characteristics that create long-term perspective and stability."Trust is earned from customers who choose to entrust their most critical assets to your care. We must not take that trust for granted," he says.The Future is SovereignWhile the debate about data centers often focuses on power consumption and land use, Thøgersen believes the most important question is control. "Maintaining control over your data is fundamentally important," he concludes. For companies seeking to capitalize on their data, whether in finance, research, or defense, data sovereignty becomes crucial for future value creation.With Skygard, Thøgersen is confident that Norway can position itself as a leading player in what could become the country's next major export opportunity.
