More than 200 participants gathered in Mikkeli on 18 February 2026 for the public seminar Data Center Projects in Mikkeli, highlighting the city’s growing role as a location for large-scale digital infrastructure investments.
Several data center and energy storage projects are currently in different stages of development in the region. Together, they position Mikkeli as one of Finland’s most active emerging data center clusters outside the capital area.
Active Data Center and Energy Projects Across Mikkeli
In the Visulahti industrial area, three data center projects are progressing. Compute Nordic Finland Oy is preparing a 200 MW data center campus, with phased construction planned toward 2028. The company has secured approximately 10 hectares of land and additional expansion options for future phases.
Other projects in Visulahti include:
- FCDC Corp
- Regant Oy
- A battery energy storage project by Neoen Finland Oy
- A new substation strengthening regional grid capacity
In the EcoSairila area, a building permit has been granted for a data center developed by Orka Technologies Oy serving as a pilot for flexible grid connection solutions.
In Ristiina (Pellosniemi), land has been leased by Aurora Core Technologies Oy, the Finnish subsidiary of NASDAQ-listed 3E Network Technology Group.
In addition, further projects remain under preparation and have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Why Investors Choose Mikkeli
Mikkeli’s competitiveness in digital infrastructure investments is built on several structural advantages:
- Strong grid infrastructure: The national transmission grid operated by Fingrid runs through the region, and significant upgrades are underway in the Visulahti substation area.
- Zoned industrial land with expansion potential: The city offers ready-to-build industrial plots and additional land reserves in Visulahti, Ristiina and other areas.
- Energy ecosystem integration: Data center waste heat can be integrated into district heating. ESE-Energia Oy estimates that, subject to required investments in heat recovery infrastructure, waste heat from future data centers could cover up to 30–50% of Mikkeli’s district heating demand.
- Predictable permitting environment: The city has built experience in handling large-scale industrial permits and works closely with investors to ensure smooth processes.
Economic and Employment Impact of Data Center Investments
According to an impact assessment commissioned by the City of Mikkeli (FCG Rakennettu ympäristö Oy) a 100 MW data center could generate approximately:
- 150 direct jobs
- 180 indirect jobs
- ~€800,000 annually in municipal tax revenue
- ~€700,000 annually in property tax revenue
Construction-phase impacts are significantly larger, with investment volumes reaching into the billions of euros across projects.
Operational expenditure for a 100 MW data center typically creates ongoing demand for:
- Electrical and mechanical services
- Maintenance and technical services
- Security and facility management
- Logistics and specialized subcontracting
Global Data Center Industry, Strong Local Ecosystem
The seminar also featured insights from the Finnish Data Center Association. According to Executive Director Antti Poikola, European data center capacity is operating at very high utilization levels, and the Nordics remain attractive due to:
- Cold climate (reducing cooling energy needs)
- Reliable power systems
- Competitive grid connection timelines compared to many EU markets
Data center projects are inherently international in scale, contract structure and execution. At the same time, Finland’s high domestic participation rate ensures strong local ecosystem development.
Building an Investment-Ready Digital Infrastructure Hub
Digital infrastructure was identified as a strategic growth sector for Mikkeli over five years ago. Since then Mikkeli Development Miksei Ltd has systematically developed the city’s investment proposition.
“Our role is to identify and strengthen Mikkeli’s competitive advantages, prepare investment-ready sites, connect investors with key stakeholders and ensure smooth cooperation between the city, utilities and project developers,” says Jussi Heinimö, Director of Investment Promotion.
Projects are market-driven and proceed in phases. Investment decisions depend on customer demand and global market conditions. However, the growing pipeline demonstrates that Mikkeli has moved from potential to concrete implementation.
Mikkeli as a Scalable Nordic Data Center Location
The event confirmed that Mikkeli is no longer only exploring opportunities in digital infrastructure—it is actively hosting multiple large-scale projects in preparation or implementation.
For international investors seeking:
- Reliable grid capacity
- Expansion-ready industrial land
- Integrated energy solutions
- A predictable permitting environment
- A cooperative local investment ecosystem
Mikkeli offers a competitive and scalable location in Finland’s evolving digital infrastructure landscape.
