Fast track delivery for data centers in Finland

International data center owners and operators are flocking to Finland, attracted by the abundant green electricity, cool climate, attractive regulatory environment, and the many available sites.

“There is very high demand for fast-track data centers in Finland, particularly for AI,” explains Veikko Martiskainen, International Business Development Director at Granlund. “Clients want to get their data centers built and operational as quickly as possible to meet market demand.”

In Finland, the process from planning to operations has been made relatively smooth for international data center companies.

If you come to a new country you need a partner you can trust. We hope to earn our clients’ trust as the best possible partner, not only to help find or validate a site, but to fast-track the entire process.

Veikko Martiskainen, International Business Development Director at Granlund

Understand local conditions

However, international companies not familiar with doing business in Finland should be careful and find a reliable, trusted expert if they want to get their data centers built and operational, on time and on budget.

“Companies might not understand the regulations, how zoning and permitting processes work, how to secure access to power, and what step is required when,” Martiskainen says. “There are precise actions necessary when it comes to finding a site, zoning, permitting, and securing power. However, some processes can be run in parallel.”

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can be done parallel with zoning, for example, or take place after the phase 1 building permit is granted and EIA triggered. Grid improvements typically take place while construction is ongoing. Knowing when procedures can take place simultaneously can save time.

Identify plan of action

If a company is considering a site, Martiskainen says that the first step in the fast-track delivery of a data center is identifying the feasibility of a location with key risks and what needs to be done. Then a realistic timeline and an optimal plan of action can be developed.

“We do a high-level site due diligence and feasibility study to understand the site and client needs,” he says. “We want to quickly and accurately determine what is needed and execute what is required. We can identify critical risks, such as with the availability of power, and help mitigate them.”

AI data centers in particular may have different requirements compared to enterprise, colocation or edge data centers. Higher power densities and new energy solutions, including liquid cooling and advanced power distribution, are transforming overall energy demand, system integration, and the way space and land are utilized.

Early help can prevent problems later

Granlund has decades of experience and can help a client from day one to commissioning, and every step in between. They know how the process works with municipal permitting, the grid operator Finngrid and the construction industry.

“The sooner we are involved the better,” Martiskainen says. “We can provide consulting, technical assistance, and help with fast-track design and project delivery. We understand that the client has more needs than simply the size and capacity of a data center. We always strive to look at a project through their point of view.”

Many international companies are considering Finland for their data centers, and Finnish authorities are ready to welcome them, yet there are still potential setbacks and challenges that can be avoided with a local expert.

“If you come to a new country you need a partner you can trust,” says Martiskainen. “We hope to earn their trust as the best possible partner, not only to help find or validate a site, but to fast-track the entire process.”