Ice.
Cold.
Data.
Centres.
Are you looking for the perfect location for your next data centre?
Investing in a data centre in Helsinki gives you low operating costs, carbon-neutral electricity, reliable infrastructure, and access to relevant tech ecosystems. Contribute to the city’s emission reductions through the most advanced district heating network.
Why Helsinki for data centres?
Nordic climate
The Nordic climate creates high demand for waste heat year-round, for example to heat buildings and water supply. Conversely, data centres’ backup cooling systems can utilise the cool air from the environment during the cold seasons.
95% carbon-neutral electricity
Already 95% of electricity produced in Finland is carbon-neutral, so data centres set up in Finland have a low carbon footprint.
#1 digitalisation
Finland is the most digitally advanced country in the EU. The national infrastructure is highly digitalised with a smart grid 2.0 technology. Due to its excellent transport links and professional workforce, Helsinki is a first-class location for data centers.
99,9993% grid reliability
The world-class electricity network in Finland improves the operational reliability of data centres. On average, there’s only one 30-minute power cut every 10 years!
14,000 apartments heated through district heating
Data centres in Helsinki connect to the district heating and cooling networks, warming Helsinki homes and properties. The waste heat from one data centre can heat 14,000 two-room apartments, as is the case with Telia’s data centre.
1700t CO2 saved
The heat produced by data centres in Helsinki help reduce the city’s emissions at scale: 1 MW of waste heat reduces 1700 t CO2 emissions annually. In Helsinki, 7 TWh of heat energy is needed annually to warm homes and properties.
100+ years
Helen is a reliable partner with over 100 years of experience in the energy field. The company collaborates with several data centre clients, including Telia, Equinix, and Digita.
Cost-savings for data centres
The electricity cost in Helsinki is one of the lowest in Europe and the Nordics. The electricity tax in Finland is 0.5 € / MWh, and the energy usage for cooling is low. Recovered (waste) heat is a sellable asset. Low-cost land is well available in Finland.
Synergies with AI, cyber security and connectivity
Data centres set up in Helsinki join a powerful, integrated tech ecosystem that offers various benefits. Networks such as the strong Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security clusters, pioneering Quantum Computing developers, and the experienced connectivity ecosystem give access to the newest innovation and welcome expert partnerships.
Europe–Asia connections
Helsinki is an integral part of digital Central Europe and a gateway to Asia. The submarine cable from Finland to Germany interconnects Central Europe to Finland at below 20ms (up to 144 Tbit/s capacity).
Helen
Helen is the energy company owned by the city of Helsinki. They partner with data centres, enabling carbon neutrality and reduced costs. In their energy platforms, heat is utilised for the heating of Helsinki. At best, just one data centre can heat more than 20,000 apartments in Helsinki, replacing the use of fossil fuels as a source of energy.
Helen’s energy production is awarded as the most efficient in the world. They aim to achieve 100% carbon neutrality in their energy production and have over 550,000 customers throughout Finland.
Helsinki is an ideal and ready platform for data centres in terms of infrastructure, and there are already data centres connected to Helen’s energy system in the city. However, there is still room in the system for high-value-adding actors that also enable the development of competence and business clusters.
Helsinki’s deep tech advantage
Focus on ethical and human-centric AI Artificial Intelligence
The Finnish Center of AI (FCAI) pioneers in human-centric AI, making Helsinki a hub for responsible AI innovation. Finland is strongly investing in AI and establishing an ELLIS institute to accelerate research and attract talent.
Home to Silo AI Artificial Intelligence
Northern Europe’s largest private AI lab was founded in Helsinki and recently acquired by AMD in a $665 million deal. Europe’s largest AI acquisition to date solidifying Helsinki’s place as a powerhouse for world-class AI innovation.
Known for world-class AI education Artificial Intelligence
The University of Helsinki and Aalto University offer acclaimed programs and resources in AI, helping to train a highly skilled talent pool. The free online course Elements of AI was developed in Helsinki and has educated over 1 million users with Finnish AI expertise.
Leadership and legacy Semiconductors
With Nokia’s deep-rooted expertise, Helsinki has a strong foundation in telecommunications and microelectronics, with a focus on advancing semiconductor technologies.
Strong public-private partnerships Semiconductors
VTT Technical Research Centre is heavily involved as collaboration partner for companies in microelectronics and semiconductor R&D, supporting industry advancements in power-efficient and advanced microchips.
Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Semiconductors
Invented in Finland 50 years ago, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) transformed semiconductor manufacturing and remains a cornerstone of modern chip technology. Semiconductor research in Helsinki is built on a long history and deep expertise.
Access to one of the world's fastest supercomputers Quantum Computing
Helsinki’s quantum research benefits from direct access to LUMI, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers and the largest in Europe, located in Finland.
Home of IQM Quantum Computing
Helsinki’s own IQM is Europe’s fastest-growing quantum computing company and Bluefors’ cutting-edge systems for ultra-low temperature cryogenics are widely used. Making Helsinki a critical center for translating quantum breakthroughs into practical business applications.
World-class quantum expertise Quantum Computing
Finland plays an essential role in the European Quantum Flagship Program, which aims to accelerate quantum computing and securing Europe’s place in this transformative field.
Cybersecurity hub of Northern Europe Cybersecurity
Helsinki is recognised for its strong cybersecurity ecosystem, with global players like F-Secure and WithSecure leading innovation in digital security solutions.
NATO cyber defence partnership Cybersecurity
As a NATO partner, Finland contributes to cutting-edge research in cyber defence. One accelerator and two test centres will be established in Finland by NATO’s DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic).
Talented cyber workforce Cybersecurity
Finnish universities and companies train a highly specialised workforce in cybersecurity, making Helsinki an ideal location for companies focused on secure tech and digital resilience.
Low Temperature Laboratory Ultra-low temperature physics & technology
The Low Temperature Laboratory at Aalto University is one of the world centres in ultra-low temperature physics and technology. The leading position is based on vigorous in-house development and construction of sub-mK refrigerators.
Existing data centres in the region
The companies with data centres already present in Helsinki include Telia, Equinix and Digita. Elsewhere in Southern Finland, companies such as Microsoft and Google (since 2011) have established data centres. These companies benefit from partnerships with local energy companies by selling their waste heat to district heating and cooling networks.
Hei data centre builders, you’re welcome here
Looking to expand your business? Our team at Helsinki Partners can introduce you to key people in the city, from government officials to private companies and research institutions. We’ll also help you access tax incentives, understand corporate tax rates, get access to data sharing and funding opportunities, and offer practical advice on expanding into Europe.
Your data.
Your way.
Contact us
If you are interested in learning more about Helsinki and its possibilities – please contact us via the form here. We’ll make sure to get back to you within a few working days.
