Sweden has become one of Europe’s most important hubs for large-scale data centers. Abundant renewable power, robust digital infrastructure and political stability make it highly attractive for hyperscale and colocation investments. Over the coming years, the Sweden data center market is set to expand further, combining major ongoing expansions with new large-scale projects. Each build is an industrial construction challenge, driving sustained demand for engineering and site expertise.
Major projects driving the market
Several flagship and new developments show how broad and dynamic Sweden’s data center landscape has become:
- Microsoft in Gävle and Sandviken – significant ongoing build-out to support Nordic and European cloud capacity (Microsoft Sweden, 2024).
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Eskilstuna, Västerås and Katrineholm – multi-campus presence with continuous expansion (DatacenterDynamics, 2024).
- Meta in Luleå – long-term anchor in northern Sweden with upgrades and capacity additions (Meta Newsroom, 2024).
- Brookfield AI campus in Strängnäs – one of Europe’s largest planned AI-focused data centers, up to SEK 95 billion investment (Reuters, 2025).
- EcoDataCenter Borlänge campus – breaking ground on a site that could scale from 250 MW to 600 MW (DatacenterDynamics, 2025).
- Google Horndal project – major land acquisition and permitting completed in Dalarna for a potential hyperscale build (Capacity Media, 2024).
- EdgeMode HPC facility in Marviken – planned 20 MW high-performance computing data center with option to scale toward 300 MW (Datacenter Forum, 2025).
Together, these projects underline how Sweden combines established hyperscale players with a new wave of investment. Industry watchers estimate Sweden’s hyperscale and colocation pipeline at well over 2.5 GW of planned or under-construction capacity (Datacenter Forum, 2025).
Skills in highest demand
Every new facility is a complex industrial site requiring advanced mechanical and electrical systems, strict safety frameworks and large construction teams. 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)
Domestic supply of these skill sets is limited, especially for mission-critical projects. As several hyperscale sites progress simultaneously, agencies and contractors often turn to international talent to meet project timelines.
Regional spread creates logistical challenges
While Stockholm remains an important hub, new capacity is emerging across Sweden. Northern locations such as Luleå, Boden and Skellefteå remain attractive due to renewable power and cool climate. Central Sweden sees major activity around Gävle, Sandviken and Horndal, while southern hubs like Borlänge and Skåne are growing fast. Mobilising specialist teams to these areas adds complexity in workforce planning, safety oversight and logistics.
Large construction sites in Sweden’s remote regions require careful coordination, from accommodation and travel to compliance with local labour regulations.
Cross-border workforce considerations
Bringing in international professionals can be essential, but Sweden’s regulatory environment requires attention to detail. Work permit applications for non-EU nationals include mandatory union review and salary compliance checks. Taxation and social security obligations also differ from neighbouring Nordic countries. Poor planning can lead to onboarding delays and unexpected liabilities.
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 Sweden.
Key takeaway
Sweden’s data center industry continues to accelerate, combining global tech giants with new large-scale investments. This creates sustained demand for engineering and construction professionals. For businesses and recruitment agencies, understanding where projects are emerging and preparing for compliant cross-border engagement when local resources are insufficient is key to delivering talent at speed and scale.
Sources: DatacenterDynamics, Datacenter Forum, Meta Newsroom, Microsoft Sweden, Google Sweden, EcoDataCenter, Reuters, Capacity Media.
