Taking part in our first “Heimatt” was something truly special for us at GreenScale. Heimatt is an annual event that’s all about creating an informal and welcoming space for young people to reconnect with their home community and learn more about the opportunities that exist locally, now and in the years ahead. 

It was inspiring to speak with students, graduates, and early-career professionals about their ambitions, skills, and connection to Sirdal. But what stood out most was the depth of talent in the room. We met young people with strong technical curiosity, thoughtful questions, and a genuine interest in how future industries can grow locally. Those conversations reinforced our belief that Sirdal has both the people and the potential to support long-term, skilled employment close to home. 

GreenScale was represented at Heimatt by Pete Aynge, Senior Director of Data Centre Operations, who attended the event at the invitation of the municipality.  

For Pete, the visit was not only about work. He travelled to Tonstad with his family and spent time in the area with his wife and three children. Together, they explored the town and surrounding landscape, experiencing everyday life in Sirdal beyond the event itself. Like many visitors, Pete and his family were struck by the natural beauty of the region, but also by the warmth of the people they met. It was easy to see why Sirdal holds such a strong place in the hearts of those who grow up here. 

During the evening, Pete shared more about GreenScale’s data centre development in Tonstad and the role it will play in the local community. He spoke about the data centre industry, the range of careers it offers, and how large infrastructure projects can create lasting value when they are rooted in the places where they are built. 

The impact of Tonstad DataPark will be significant. During construction, we are expected to support more than 2,000 full-time equivalent roles through direct and indirect employment. Once operational, the campus will employ around 250 full-time equivalents, making GreenScale the largest private-sector employer in the municipality of Sirdal. These are long-term roles that can support people at different stages of their careers, from technical and operational positions to specialist and leadership roles. 

Connecting with young people at events like Heimatt matters deeply to us. When young people can see real opportunities close to home, it becomes easier to imagine a future in Sirdal. By bringing stable jobs, investing for the long term, and staying engaged with the community, we hope to contribute to a thriving and growing region. 

We are grateful to Mayor Jonny Liland and the event committee for the warm invitation and for creating a space where open conversations could happen. Working in infrastructure is ultimately about people, community, and the future we create together, and we can’t wait to return next year!