Finland is becoming one of Europe’s most attractive locations for large-scale data centers. Abundant renewable energy, political stability and a naturally cool climate have combined to create a strong foundation for investment. Over the next few years, significant new hyperscale and colocation capacity is planned, and the Finland data center market is expected to expand at one of the fastest rates in Northern Europe. Each build is a complex industrial project, and the scale of activity is reshaping demand for engineering and construction expertise.
Major projects driving the market
Several high-profile developments underline how fast capacity is growing:
- 500 MW data center near Rovaniemi, Lapland – planned to begin operations around 2029 (DatacenterDynamics, Apr 2025).
- Google expansion in Hamina with additional land acquisitions in Muhos and Kajaani for future facilities (Business Finland, 2024).
- TikTok and Hyperco “Project Clover” in Kouvola – around €1 billion (TikTok EU newsroom, 2024).
- Hyperco campus in Espoo near Helsinki (DatacenterDynamics, 2024).
- Polarnode 150 MW project in Lappeenranta (Datacenter Forum, 2024).
Industry groups estimate that more than 2 GW of new data center capacity is now in Finland’s pipeline (Montel News, 2025). Together, these sites represent one of the fastest build-outs in Northern Europe.
Skills in highest demand
Data centers may be built for digital infrastructure, but they rely heavily on physical expertise. Each campus involves large construction sites, complex mechanical and electrical systems, safety oversight and final commissioning. This creates sustained demand for roles such as:
- Inspectors
- Technicians
- Quantity surveyors
- Project managers
- Planners
- HSE specialists (Health, Safety and Environment)
- Commissioning specialists
- Installation specialists
- Document controllers (managing technical documentation and revisions)
- Subcontracts managers (managing subcontractors and contract packages)
- Construction supervisors / site managers
- Scheduling / planning engineers (project scheduling and follow-up)
- Cost controllers (budget and cost management)
Many of these roles are already scarce within Finland’s domestic construction and civil engineering sectors. As multiple hyperscale sites progress at the same time, sourcing enough qualified people locally becomes challenging. Agencies and contractors often look abroad to fill these gaps.
Regional spread creates logistical challenges
While the capital region around Helsinki remains important, new facilities are also being developed in Lapland, Kouvola, Lappeenranta and other areas. This dispersal means companies need to mobilise specialists to less central locations, adding complexity to project planning, site safety and accommodation logistics. Large construction sites in Finland’s remote regions can also require additional planning for workforce mobility and compliance.
Cross-border workforce considerations
Bringing in international professionals is often necessary, but it requires careful handling of local employment rules. Work permits, taxation and social security in Finland differ from neighbouring Nordic countries. Missteps can delay onboarding or expose companies and agencies to compliance risk.
Northern Partners has long experience supporting agencies and end-clients in handling the employment and compliance aspects of international specialists for large construction and data center projects in Finland.
Key takeaway
Finland’s data center industry is expanding rapidly, creating opportunities across construction and engineering. For businesses and recruitment agencies, understanding the scope of upcoming projects and the associated workforce needs is essential for resource planning and for ensuring compliant engagement of international experts when local capacity is not enough.
Sources: DatacenterDynamics, Business Finland, TikTok EU newsroom, Datacenter Forum, Montel News.
