AtNorth Files to Expand Planned Data Center Campus in Kouvola, Finland

Why It Matters

The capacity boost strengthens Finland’s role as a low‑carbon data‑center hub and makes atNorth a strategic acquisition target for global operators expanding in Europe.

Key Takeaways

• atNorth seeks permit for three new data center buildings
• FIN04 campus capacity expands to 430 MW on 45 ha
• First building slated live early 2026, not 2027
• US colocation rivals Digital Realty, Equinix eye acquisition

Pulse Analysis

Finland’s data‑center ecosystem has become a magnet for sustainable infrastructure, thanks to abundant renewable power and cool climate. atNorth’s decision to enlarge the FIN04 campus in Kouvola taps into these advantages, scaling the site to 430 MW on a 45‑hectare plot. The location, just 135 km from Helsinki and linked to the local district‑heating network, offers low‑latency connectivity for European customers while keeping energy costs competitive, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a green‑focused hub.

The expansion also reflects atNorth’s evolution from a regional player to a potential global asset. Backed by Swiss investment manager Partners Group since 2021, the company now operates seven facilities across the Nordics and is expanding further in Scandinavia. Interest from U.S. colocation leaders Digital Realty and Equinix signals a consolidation trend, where large operators seek to acquire assets with built‑in sustainability credentials and strategic geographic positioning. An acquisition would give these giants immediate access to atNorth’s portfolio and its growth pipeline, accelerating their European market penetration.

Beyond corporate maneuvering, the FIN04 project carries broader economic implications. Construction and ongoing operations will generate jobs in Kouvola and stimulate local services, while the increased power demand encourages further investment in renewable generation. As data traffic surges from AI workloads and edge computing, capacity additions like atNorth’s are essential to meet latency‑sensitive applications. The campus’s early‑2026 launch positions it to capture this demand, setting a benchmark for future green data‑center developments in the region.

AtNorth files to expand planned data center campus in Kouvola, Finland

Company requests permit to add three buildings to FIN04 site · February 09, 2026 · Dan Swinhoe

Nordic data‑center firm atNorth is looking to expand one of its campuses in Finland.

Yle reports the company has applied for a building permit for three new data‑center buildings in Kouvola. The local council is set to discuss the request this week.

Image: atNorth

The data centers would be located in Ummeljoki/Myllykoski, expanding its in‑development FIN04 campus.

Kouvola is the administrative capital of Kymenlaakso, located about 135 km (83.8 mi) northeast of Helsinki.

Plans for FIN04 were first announced in late 2023. At that time the company said the 23‑hectare site would open with 60 MW, with potential to reach “several hundred megawatts” when fully built. The company now lists the site as offering up to 430 MW of capacity across 45 hectares, with a path to “several hundred additional megawatts.”

Yle said ground was broken on the first building in 2024 and it is due to go live in the first half of 2027. atNorth’s website says the site will be ready for operation in the first half of 2026.

The FIN04 site will be connected to the local district‑heating scheme, run by local energy company KSS Energia.

Nordic operator atNorth currently operates seven data centers across Sweden, Iceland, and Finland, with more in development in Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

The company previously acquired two Finnish data centers, FIN01 and FIN03 in Vallila and Espoo, respectively, from its former parent Advania, and has also announced the construction of a third 15 MW facility in Espoo.

atNorth was formed as Advania Data Centers in 2012 from three components: Skyrr (a public‑sector IT specialist in Iceland), Kerfi (a Swedish outfit with roots in a Nokia spin‑off called Datapoint), and Hands (from Norway). The company de‑merged from the Advania Group in 2017 and rebranded to atNorth in 2020. Swiss investment manager Partners Group acquired the company in December 2021.

US colo giants Digital Realty and Equinix are reportedly competing to acquire atNorth, according to a recent report.