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Norwegian withdraws AI data center proposal in Iloilo

Philippines | Visayas

Norwegian withdraws AI data center proposal in Iloilo

By Tara Yap

AI data center proponent Daniel Stefan Robertsen in Oton, Iloilo. (Photo by JV Ramos)

AI data center proponent Daniel Stefan Robertsen in Oton, Iloilo. (Photo by JV Ramos)

ILOILO CITY—A Norwegian company has withdrawn its proposal to build an AI data center in Iloilo province two days after its executive walked out from a public consultation and hurled expletives to reporters.

Daniel Stefan Robertsen informed the local government of Oton town that his company Norway Green Energy will no longer pursue the proposal to build a 50-megawatt (MW) hyperscale AI data center due to “current circumstances”.

Vice Mayor Jose Neil Olivares posted on his personal Facebook account on Monday, August 17, the formal notice of withdrawal sent by Robertsen on Sunday evening, August 16.

While Robertsen did not state the specific circumstances for withdrawing the proposal, he nevertheless drew widespread criticism for his behavior during the August 14 public consultation hearing that was seen as an insult and disrespectful to Filipinos.

Robertsen was visibly irked at Oton residents for asking questions and voicing out concerns about the proposed project.

Robertsen even yelled to reporters: “If you don't have a brain, just f*ck ... Go away!”

Robertsen’s public meltdown drew more scrutiny to the already controversial proposed project.

A day prior to August 14, the people of Iloilo were baffled when news broke out of an AI data center being proposed to be built in Oton.

Even officials of key government agencies were surprised when the proposed site in Barangay Abilay Sur is an agricultural area and there are no no pending applications for land conversion.

Meanwhile, many are also questioning Olivares, who had been very vocal online before and after Robertsen’s August 14 public meltdown.

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