Nebius Launches Major AI Data Centre Project in Finland

Dutch cloud company Nebius has announced plans to construct one of Europe's largest AI factories in Lappeenranta, Finland. This facility is designed to meet the increasing demand for computing power necessary for training and operating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models. With an energy capacity of up to 310 megawatts (MW), the Lappeenranta data centre is projected to be equivalent to three hyperscale data centres, as per benchmarks from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

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The Lappeenranta factory will feature a closed-loop liquid cooling system aimed at minimizing water consumption while effectively regulating the temperature of the computing equipment. This system is designed to capture excess heat generated by the servers, which will then be redirected to a local district heating network, potentially providing heating for nearby homes. Nebius aims to supply at least 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of power by the end of 2026, with a long-term goal of reaching 3.3 GW by 2030. This initiative is part of Nebius's ambition to establish one of the largest footprints of purpose-built AI computing globally.

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The construction of the Lappeenranta facility is expected to create approximately 700 jobs during the building phase, along with 100 permanent positions once the data centre becomes operational in 2027. This development is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on the local economy.

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As of 2025, Europe had around 14,784 MW of power available across its data centres, an increase from 10,539 MW in 2023, according to the European Data Centre Association. While the Lappeenranta project is substantial, it is not the only major initiative underway. For instance, a data centre project in Strängnäs, Sweden, could provide between 350 and 750 MW of power, and Start Campus is developing a 1.2 GW data centre hub in Sines, Portugal, expected to be operational by 2030.

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While the project promises economic benefits and technological advancements, concerns about the environmental impact of large data centres persist. Critics argue that the energy consumption associated with such facilities could exacerbate existing environmental challenges, particularly in terms of carbon emissions and resource usage.

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Nebius has emphasized its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the AI sector, stating that the Lappeenranta factory will play a crucial role in powering the future of AI technology in Europe.

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The completion of the Lappeenranta data centre is scheduled for 2027, with Nebius continuing to expand its capabilities in the AI computing sector. The company is also pursuing additional projects, including a facility in Lille, France, which will contribute to its overall energy supply goals.

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“3 GW by 2030, which Nebius claims is one of the “largest footprints of purpose-built AI compute” in the world.” — Nebius Representative

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