Data centres and delayed E16 tunnel

The latest news from Bergen / Vestland over the past 48 hours centres on electricity and major infrastructure projects. In Vestland county, 2 data centre projects are following different timelines: the one in Gaupne, Luster, has already secured its network capacity, while the one in Vik is still awaiting formal approval. On the E16, a complaint filed by bidders has delayed the start of construction on the Arna–Stanghelle tunnel.

Energy: Bergen / Vestland data centre news

Sogn Utvikling is working to establish data centres in Luster and Vik, two municipalities with significant electricity surpluses that they want to use locally (NRK Bergen / Vestland). The restrictions imposed at the national level have no impact on Gaupne Datapark, which has already secured the necessary network capacity and is under full development.

In Vik, the timeline is less certain. The project is still awaiting formal approval from the network operator. “Establishing the facility in Vik may be postponed, but we think the project is so good that we will secure electricity. It will just take a little longer, and everything will be fine,” says Bjørn Ellertsen, managing director of Sogn Utvikling (NRK Bergen / Vestland). The stated aim of the authorities is to regain control of the explosive growth in electricity consumption, and developments are being closely monitored in Inner Sogn, without panic according to public radio.

At the national level, the line remains the same: support data centres “we really need” (The Local Norway). The 2 municipalities in Vestland county concerned are relying on their energy surpluses as a local resource.

E16: Arna–Stanghelle construction delayed by a complaint

An objection from a tenderer is delaying the start of the first tunnel contract in the E16 Arna–Stanghelle project, according to Statens vegvesen in a statement (NRK Bergen / Vestland). Construction was due to begin in December 2026. The new date is not yet known; work cannot start before 2027 at the earliest.

The project covers 80 km of tunnels, including 3 new road tunnels on the E16, 2 rail tunnels, as well as transport, access and evacuation tunnels. It is being presented as the largest tunnel project in the country’s history and involves a section exposed to landslides and accidents that connects the east and west.

“The delay is obviously annoying, but it is part of the process. Contractors have the right to contest the award, and we have to make do with that,” says Kari Bremnes, project manager at Statens vegvesen (NRK Bergen / Vestland).

Culture: “Ildens historie” outside the walls in Bergen

Den Nationale Scene is still under renovation and is therefore performing in different buildings in the city. The play “Ildens historie” is being performed at Kjødehallen, an old industrial hall at the Georgernes verft shipyard, according to NRK Bergen / Vestland. The venue is cold, dark and raw; the set design takes the audience down into the depths of the earth before propelling them upward.

The play was written by Demian Vitanza, a two-time winner of the Ibsen Award. According to the public broadcaster’s review, the play and the venue reinforce each other, which has not always been the case with the relocated performances of recent months.

Sport: Brann secures a draw, Sogndal qualifies

Brann drew 2-2 away to Fredrikstad (NRK Bergen / Vestland). After a goalless first half, the home club scored twice before half-time. Eight minutes from the end, Kristall Ingason gave the visitors hope with a strike into the top corner. In the seventh and final minute of stoppage time, Bård Finne equalized.

Sogndal, meanwhile, will play in the relegation playoffs to retain their place in the Obos-ligaen. Before the final round, Moss, Sandnes Ulf and Sogndal had 29 and 30 points. Two late Moss goals sent the Sogndal side into qualification. “After everything that has happened, I think we should be satisfied. We have 30 matches to pick up points, and we have not been good enough this year,” says coach Eirik Bakke, who points out that direct relegation could also have been a possibility.

Local life: cider marathon, Oktoberfest and gym

A cider marathon will see the light of day next summer amid the fjord slopes and orchards of the Sørfjorden, in Hardanger: drops of cider and local produce will replace drinks and energy bars along the course (NRK Bergen / Vestland). “I hope this will create a lot of buzz around Hardanger, the food, our drinks and especially the people who live here,” says Anna Gursli Langesæter, chair of the council and initiator of the project.

Bergens Tidende also reports that Bergen’s Oktoberfest is being moved from the city centre to Åsane (09/11). A report by Virke cited by NRK Bergen / Vestland furthermore shows that the share of Norwegians over 67 who do weight training at least once a week has increased; in Førde, Ruth Farsund and Åse Reikvam illustrate this trend in Spenst group fitness classes.

Sources: NRK Bergen / Vestland, Bergens Tidende, The Local Norway — Period: 09 November 2026 and 10 November 2026