The Nordic region has become a key location for data centre development in recent years, with Finland attracting a growing share of the investment.
Demand for AI, cloud computing and high-performance computing is increasing the need for new digital infrastructure across Europe. Helsinki is well placed to meet that demand, with new sites under development and existing campuses continuing to expand.
Lewis and Louis from OnSite International recently travelled to Helsinki to visit active data centre projects, meet clients and also speak with contractors looking to grow their operations in Finland.
The scale of activity was clear throughout the trip. Developers are moving forward with new phases, contractors are securing further packages of work and the need for skilled labour continues to rise. Mechanical, electrical and HVAC specialists are particularly sought after.
As more projects get underway, contractors also need labour partners that can supply the right people while managing the practical and compliance requirements of working in Finland.
Why Finland is attracting investment
Several factors are helping Finland stand out from other European data centre markets.
A naturally cooler climate
Keeping a data centre cool requires a significant amount of energy. Finland’s colder climate can help operators reduce the energy needed for cooling, improving efficiency and lowering long-term operating costs.
This also supports the environmental targets that now play an important part in the planning and delivery of new data centre projects.
Reliable energy infrastructure
Finland has a stable energy network and continues to invest in renewable power generation. For data centre operators, access to reliable power is one of the most important considerations when choosing a location.
With energy security and sustainability becoming increasingly important, Finland offers many of the conditions that developers and investors are looking for.
Space for further development
Established data centre markets such as London, Amsterdam and Dublin are facing growing pressure on their electricity networks. Grid restrictions, planning challenges and limited available land can make it more difficult to bring new developments forward.
Finland still has the space and infrastructure needed to support large campuses. Its availability of land, power and strong connectivity gives developers greater scope to plan for future phases rather than focusing on a single development.
Strong links with European markets
Helsinki is well connected to Scandinavia, mainland Europe and wider international markets. Finland also offers political stability, modern digital infrastructure and access to a highly skilled workforce.
Together, these factors have made the country an increasingly attractive choice for international developers, operators and contractors.
Working in Finland requires local knowledge
Finland presents plenty of opportunity, but delivering work there requires preparation.
The country has detailed requirements covering employment models, occupational healthcare, pension contributions, tax registration and contractor liability documentation. Each project may also have its own onboarding procedures and site requirements.
These are not areas that can be left until workers arrive on site. Documentation, employment arrangements and local registrations need to be considered early to prevent delays later in the project.
OnSite International has spent the past several months developing partnerships across Finland and building a stronger understanding of how projects operate within the country.
We can support contractors with compliant labour across mechanical, electrical, HVAC and construction disciplines. Our teams have already supplied experienced workers to projects in the Helsinki region, taking care to meet Finnish legislation and the specific requirements of each site.
What comes next for Helsinki?
Investment in AI and cloud technology is continuing to reshape the European data centre market. As developers search for locations with suitable land, available power and room for long-term expansion, Finland is likely to remain high on the list.
After speaking directly with developers, project managers and contractors in Helsinki, it is clear that the market still has considerable room to grow.
New developments will create further opportunities, but they will also increase competition for skilled workers. Contractors planning to enter Finland or expand their current operations will need to think carefully about labour availability, mobilisation times and local compliance.
OnSite International is ready to support that next stage of growth.
If you are planning a data centre project in Helsinki or elsewhere in the Nordic region, contact our team to discuss your upcoming labour requirements.