National Roadmap for Data Centres -report: Finland sets out measures to attract data centres with high value added.
Key proposals and findings:
- Continue electricity tax relief for data centres and streamline permitting
- Introduce a fossil-free flexibility scheme to manage grid scarcity
- Enable further wind power development in Eastern Finland
- Establish a registration requirement for data centres
- Data centre investments alone are not enough – separate efforts are needed to boost digital and AI development
Finland should strengthen its position in the global data centre market and focus on attracting high value-added investments, according to a new report submitted by Rapporteur Veli-Matti Mattila to Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on 4 November. The report sets national objectives for data centre development and outlines principles to help Finland compete more effectively for international investments.
Appointed on 18 June 2025 to prepare Finland’s national data centre roadmap, Mattila emphasises that the world is experiencing a strong surge in data centre investments, and Finland must secure its share. The report stresses that Finland should prioritise projects that create economic value through employment, tax revenue and innovation ecosystems, while also contributing to the stability of the power system by providing flexibility.
At the report’s launch, Prime Minister Orpo highlighted that data centre investments can provide a much-needed boost to Finland’s economy. At the same time, he noted that they support the country’s digital transformation and growth of the data economy in line with the Government Programme.
The report draws attention to challenges facing the electricity market. Rapid growth in data centre capacity could increase electricity consumption and raise prices, particularly during periods of limited renewable power generation. To address this, Mattila proposes establishing a fossil-free flexibility scheme that would help balance demand and supply in the power system and reduce price spikes. He also recommends enabling more wind power development in Eastern Finland to ensure a more geographically balanced renewable energy supply.
According to Mattila, Finland should not pursue data centre investments at any cost. He stresses that potential risks related to electricity market functioning, the environment and security must be addressed. To improve transparency and supervision, the report also proposes introducing a registration requirement for data centres.
The report highlights several benefits of increasing data centre capacity in Finland beyond their core function. Locating data centres in the country strengthens security of supply and enhances data security, which many services and users consider important. In addition to generating jobs and tax revenue, data centres typically source electricity from fossil-free providers, which promotes investment in renewable energy and accelerates Finland’s transition to sustainable power generation. Furthermore, data centre activity can stimulate regional development outside major urban growth areas.
However, the report emphasises that the presence of data centres alone does not automatically drive research, product development or innovation. Nor will it independently accelerate digital or AI adoption among Finnish organisations. Achieving this requires separate investments in skills, education and RDI activities. The report therefore encourages data centre operators to take part in these efforts and contribute to ecosystems that foster innovation in Finland.
Read more, watch the recording of the briefing and download the report and presentation materials from the Government´s website.