#Finland #atNorth #Salo

atNorth Plans New Data Center in Salo, Finland

atNorth, a prominent provider of colocation and custom-built data centers in the Nordic region, has revealed its ambitious plans to establish a new facility in Salo, Finland. Named FIN05, this substantial investment aims to bolster the region's digital infrastructure and meet the growing demand for high-performance data services.

Located strategically close to Helsinki and within reach of a talent-rich digital workforce, Salo presents a prime site for atNorth's latest project. The newly proposed data center will span across a vast 28.6-hectare area and is set to initiate operations with a robust power capacity of 75 MW, expandable to a significant 230 MW as the facility evolves.

The estimated investment for this development totals approximately €2 billion. Notably, this figure does not cover client-owned servers and their installations; if included, the total investment may rise to an impressive €10 billion. This data center is especially designed to cater to customers with demanding connectivity needs, thereby establishing itself as a crucial digital infrastructure node in the area.

To ensure sustainable and efficient operations, atNorth plans to forge long-term power purchase agreements with local energy suppliers. This initiative not only supports local energy production but also introduces flexibility solutions that can enhance the efficiency of Fingrid's transmission grid. Furthermore, the company aims to collaborate with local stakeholders to explore innovative ways to utilize the heat generated by the data center, a strategy that reflects atNorth's commitment to creating value beyond its immediate operations. This initiative builds upon existing partnerships that focus on heat reuse with companies like Kesko Corporation in Finland.

Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth, emphasized the project’s potential to reinforce Salo’s infrastructure while nurturing community development: "FIN05 is an opportunity to develop critical digital infrastructure while working with the region to create lasting local value. We are exploring how local energy partnerships, flexibility solutions, and heat reuse can contribute to the wider energy system and community."

Local officials, including Salo Mayor Anna-Kristiina Korhonen, welcome the project, seeing it as a major boon for employment and economic growth. Construction jobs and ongoing operational roles promise to uplift the local economy significantly, making Salo a more attractive destination for industries focused on innovation and sustainability.

Matti-Juho Ervasti, a Partner at Regant Oy, underlined Salo's potential as a prime location for substantial digital infrastructure investments. The collaborative efforts between atNorth and local authorities have established a development-ready site that meets the high demands associated with large data center projects.

The FIN05 project aligns well with atNorth’s ongoing investments across the Nordic region, complementing similar initiatives in cities like Stockholm and Sollefteå in Sweden, as well as Haugaland, Norway, Ølgod, Denmark, and Kouvola, Finland. Throughout these projects, atNorth emphasizes collaboration with local communities and partners to construct infrastructure that not only supports their clients but also contributes positively to the areas they inhabit.

In conclusion, atNorth's latest venture in Salo marks a significant stride in meeting the surging demand for robust digital infrastructure in a sustainable and community-focused manner. This project is set to create a ripple effect of economic and technological advancement in the region, promising a bright future for both atNorth and the local communities involved.