The AI cloud company Nebius has announced a significant expansion of its European operations with the construction of a new 310-megawatt AI data center in Lappeenranta, Finland. Slated to begin serving customers in 2027, the facility is poised to become one of Europe's largest dedicated AI factories upon full deployment. This development underscores a major investment in the continent's growing demand for high-performance computing infrastructure.
Strategic Expansion in the Nordics
The new Lappeenranta facility builds on Nebius's existing presence in Finland, following the recent capacity expansion of its first data center in Mäntsälä to 75 megawatts. The country's cool climate and competitive energy prices offer an ideal environment for operating energy-intensive data centers efficiently by naturally reducing cooling costs. This strategic site selection highlights Finland's increasing attractiveness as a key European hub for digital infrastructure.
Powering the Future of Artificial Intelligence
Designed specifically for training sophisticated AI models and running complex applications, the AI factory will serve a growing roster of enterprise clients. The facility will be equipped with the latest NVIDIA accelerated compute technology, including the Blackwell and future Rubin generations. This state-of-the-art hardware ensures Nebius can deliver the immense processing power required by its major technology partners.
A Global Vision for AI Compute
This project is a cornerstone of Nebius's ambitious global strategy to secure over three gigawatts of contracted power by the end of 2026. The company's international build-out includes a gigawatt-scale AI factory in Missouri, USA, and another 240-megawatt site near Lille, France. Together, these developments position Nebius as a formidable force in the global AI infrastructure market, catering to escalating demand.
Economic and Community Impact
The Lappeenranta project is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the South Karelia region, creating up to 700 skilled construction jobs and 100 permanent operational positions. City Mayor Tuomo Sallinen praised the investment, stating it will position Lappeenranta at the forefront of Finland's AI ecosystem. Nebius also intends to collaborate with local academic institutions through its academy to cultivate regional talent and support long-term innovation.
Commitment to Sustainable Operations
Sustainability is a central design principle for the new data center, which will be powered by a predominantly low-carbon energy mix. A closed-loop liquid cooling system will be implemented to eliminate reliance on local water supplies and minimize water consumption. Additionally, the facility will feature a heat recovery system designed to donate excess server heat to the local district heating network, replicating a successful model from its Mäntsälä site.
The development of the Lappeenranta AI factory represents a pivotal moment for both Nebius and the broader European technology sector. Supported by significant recent debt funding, this investment reinforces the company's capacity to build a powerful and sustainable global AI infrastructure. Ultimately, the project solidifies Finland's role as a critical and strategic location for the future of high-performance computing.