Finland sets out measures to attract data centres with high value added

Rapporteur Veli-Matti Mattila proposes in his report measures such as continuing electricity tax relief and streamlining permit procedures for data centres with high value added.

The report proposes national objectives for data centre operations and defines principles for attracting data centre investments with high value added to Finland. It examines Finland’s position and strengths in the international competition for data centres and assesses their impacts on the economy, the power system, the environment and security.

On 18 June 2025, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo appointed Chair of a Board of Directors Veli-Matti Mattila as the rapporteur to prepare Finland’s national roadmap for data centres. Mattila submitted his report to the Prime Minister on 4 November.

Data centres are at the centre of a worldwide investment boom, and Finland aims to secure its share. According to the report, Finland should focus on attracting projects that create economic value added through jobs, tax revenue and innovation ecosystems, while also helping to keep the power system running smoothly through flexibility measures.

–  “Data centre investments are a welcome boost for Finland’s economy. At the same time, they support the digital transformation and the growth of the data economy in line with the objectives set out in the Government Programme,” says Prime Minister Orpo.

Flexibility measures to ensure reliable power system operation

Rapid growth in the number of data centres could push up electricity prices for all users, especially during temporary shortages of renewable generation. For this reason, data centres must not only increase generation capacity but also help maintain uninterrupted operation of the power system through demand and supply flexibility.

The report proposes creating a fossil-free flexibility scheme to manage grid scarcity and price spikes. It also calls for enabling wind power development in eastern Finland.

–  “Data centre investments are a major opportunity for Finland and we should make the most of it. But we must also make sure we have the means to manage potential risks related to factors such as the functioning of the electricity markets, the environment and security,” says rapporteur Veli-Matti Mattila.
Other proposals include introducing a registration requirement for data centres.

Data centres bring benefits beyond their core purpose

Finnish consumers and organisations will increasingly rely on services provided by data centres. For many services and users, it is important that the data centre is physically located in Finland. Sufficient national data centre capacity is also important for security of supply.

Beyond their core purpose, data centres bring investment, jobs and increased tax revenue to Finland. They typically source electricity from fossil-free producers, accelerating renewable energy investments and supporting Finland’s transition to more sustainable power generation. Data centres also create business activity outside those urban areas that already drive growth.

Accelerating the digital and AI development need separate efforts

Data centres do not automatically lead to research, product development or innovation activities. Their presence in Finland does not in itself speed up digital or AI development by Finnish organisations. This requires separate investments in areas such as education and training. Consequently, data centre operators should be encouraged to join these efforts and related ecosystems.

Inquiries: Veli-Matti Mattila, Rapporteur, tel. +358 50 2635, and Pekka Sinko, Secretary General, Economic Council, tel. +358 295 160 189 Prime Minister's Office

The email addresses of the Finnish Government are in the format [email protected].