What struck me most was how quickly the consequences spread. Power, communication, and the services we take for granted are tightly interconnected. That is when the work done in advance truly matters.Hanne Myrvoll
The reaction in the room was clear. Nine out of ten participants considered the risk realistic, and many acknowledged there is room to strengthen operational resilience.
This is no longer a theoretical discussion. It is a concrete challenge for organizations that depend on stable operations.
Critical Infrastructure Is More Than the Hyperscale Data Centers
Large hyperscale data centers receive most of the attention. At the same time, a significant number of smaller data centers and technical facilities maintain critical functions in society. Local nodes. Regional installations. Infrastructure that rarely makes headlines until something fails.
Kjetil Knotten, Sales Manager at Anda-Olsen, works closely with customers in data center and critical infrastructure environments. He highlights an important perspective:
There is a lot of discussion about the large ‘hyperscale’ data centers run by companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, but there are also many smaller data centers that support a significant part of Norway’s critical infrastructure.
In a serious incident, these environments are expected to ensure continuity. The question is whether they are sufficiently resilient.
We need to ask ourselves how we can collaborate better to strengthen resilience at a time when development is accelerating rapidly
Knotten adds.
When Power Fails, More Than the Lights Go Out
Modern organizations are deeply interconnected. Operations, communication, monitoring, and payments are linked. When power is lost, more than buildings are affected.
This makes backup power and reserve capacity a strategic element of operational continuity, not merely a technical detail.
A structured resilience strategy should include:
- Mapping critical loads
- Correct sizing of backup capacity
- Redundancy where consequences are greatest
- Regular testing under realistic load conditions
- Documented procedures and clear responsibilities
Technology can be installed quickly. Operational robustness is built over time.
Geopolitical Uncertainty Raises the Stakes
The geopolitical landscape is more unpredictable than it has been in decades. Threat assessments across Europe point to increased risks targeting critical infrastructure and digital systems.
Organizations should therefore ask:
- How long can we operate without grid power?
- Have we tested our solutions in practice?
- Do we understand system interdependencies?
- Do we have access to the right expertise when it truly matters?
These questions must be addressed before an incident occurs.
The Pace of Change Is Increasing - The Foundation Must Hold
Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and growing data demands are driving rapid development and new requirements. The pace has never been faster, and it is unlikely to slow down.
In this environment, the foundation must remain solid. Critical infrastructure must function even when the systems we normally rely on do not.
People and expertise will become increasingly scarce resources. We must invest in both technology and professional competence. True resilience is created through collaboration.
says Knotten.
True resilience is created through collaboration.Kjetil Knotten
People and Expertise Are Essential
Technology alone does not ensure resilience. Experience, judgment, and practical competence are becoming even more important.
When an incident occurs, it is people who prioritize actions, assess risk, and ensure systems perform as intended. Expertise must be developed, documented, and retained.
Organizations should therefore:
- Build and retain critical expertise
- Document procedures and operational knowledge
- Conduct scenario-based exercises
- Strengthen collaboration across stakeholders
Resilience is achieved through the interaction between technology and people.
Our Role in Ensuring Power Continuity
At Anda-Olsen, ensuring power continuity is part of our daily work. We support resilience in data centers, infrastructure projects, and maritime environments.
When power is lost, the preparation becomes visible. That is when it becomes clear whether solutions were correctly dimensioned, whether testing was sufficient, and whether systems function together as intended.
Our role is to contribute with:
- Professional advisory services
- Correct selection and sizing of backup power solutions
- Documented quality
- Long-term partnership
Backup power is not just equipment. It is a core component of operational continuity.
What Should You Do Now?
Resilience is not a one-time project. It is an ongoing process.
Start with:
- A review of critical functions
- An assessment of actual uptime during a power outage
- Identification of single points of failure
- A structured plan for testing and maintenance
Vestlandskonferansen highlighted one key message: We must combine future technology with real operational competence. The pace is increasing. Requirements are tightening. Predictability cannot be taken for granted.
The question is not whether risk exists. The question is whether your organization is resilient.
Would you like a professional review of your power continuity strategy?
Contact us at Anda-Olsen for a non-binding assessment.
