atNorth HEL1 AI Data Center Helsinki Finland: Sustainable High-Density & AI Computing Hub
Status: Operational / Upgraded for AI & High-Density Workloads | Location: Kuortaneenkatu 3, 00510 Helsinki, Finland
Project Overview
The atNorth HEL1 (FIN01) AI Data Center is a purpose-built high-density digital infrastructure facility located in the heart of Helsinki’s renowned "Telecom Valley," serving as one of the Nordic region’s premier platforms for artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), machine learning, and sovereign cloud deployments. Strategically positioned within Finland’s leading telecommunications ecosystem, the facility provides direct connectivity to FICIX (Finnish Internet Exchange), enabling ultra-low-latency access to major European cloud platforms, research networks, and enterprise digital infrastructure. Engineered specifically for compute-intensive workloads, HEL1 supports high-density rack configurations and advanced cooling technologies capable of meeting the thermal demands of next-generation GPU clusters and AI training environments. The facility takes full advantage of Finland’s 100% renewable electricity grid and naturally cool climate, utilising direct free-air cooling to significantly reduce energy consumption while maintaining optimal operating conditions throughout the year. Sustainability is further enhanced through innovative heat recovery systems that capture excess server heat and integrate it into local municipal district heating networks, reducing carbon emissions and supporting Helsinki’s circular energy economy. Built with resilient power infrastructure, redundant electrical systems, and comprehensive physical and cyber security, HEL1 delivers the high levels of availability required for mission-critical enterprise, research, and government applications. As demand for AI and HPC infrastructure continues to accelerate across Europe, the atNorth HEL1 (FIN01) AI Data Center provides a secure, scalable, and environmentally sustainable platform that enables digital innovation while reinforcing Finland’s position as a leading destination for green, high-performance data centre infrastructure.
Quick Facts
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Project Name | atNorth HEL1 AI Data Center Helsinki Finland: Sustainable High-Density & AI Computing Hub |
| Location | Kuortaneenkatu 3, 00510 Helsinki, Finland |
| Status | Operational / Upgraded for AI & High-Density Workloads |
| Commissioning | Operational (Acquired Dec 2022 from Advania; continuously upgraded for high-density & AI loads) |
| Total IT Load | ~1.0 MW – 2.0 MW (Dedicated Facility IT Capacity, scalable across Helsinki metro network FIN02/FIN03) |
| Total Capacity | ~1.5 MW – 2.5 MW Total Utility Power Capacity |
| Tier Level | Tier III Equivalent / Concurrent Maintainability Standards |
| Project Type | High-Density Colocation, High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI Inference & Training Data Center |
City Profile
| Header | Details |
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| City Name | Helsinki |
| Population | 690,000 |
| Urban Agglomeration | ~1.6 million (Helsinki Metropolitan Area) |
| City GDP | ~€100 billion (estimated metropolitan economy) |
| Per Capita Income | ~€55,000 |
| City Tier | Tier 1 – Nordic Technology, Innovation & Business Hub |
| Key Strengths | Capital of Finland; leading technology and startup ecosystem; strong ICT and software industries; advanced digital infrastructure; highly skilled workforce; world-class education and research institutions; renewable energy leadership; excellent international connectivity; growing hyperscale data center market; business-friendly environment and high quality of life. |
Companies Involved
| Header | Details |
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| Developer / Operator | atNorth |
| Strategic Infrastructure Partner | Helen Oy (District Heating Network), Helen Sähköverkko / Fingrid (Power Grid), FICIX (Finnish Internet Exchange) |
| Construction Contractor | Leading Nordic Mission-Critical Infrastructure Contractors |
| MEP Engineering | atNorth Technical Engineering Team & Specialist Nordic MEP Consultants |
| Network Connectivity | Carrier-neutral facility equipped with dual diverse fiber entry paths, 2x independent Meet-Me-Rooms (MMRs), direct presence at FICIX exchange, and subsea fiber links connecting Helsinki to Stockholm, Tallinn, and Frankfurt with <18ms latency. |
| Power Infrastructure | Dual-path N+1 grid connection from local transmission network, 2N / N+1 static UPS systems, redundant automated switchgear, and N+1 back-up diesel generators with on-site fuel storage. |
Technical Specifications
| Header | Details |
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| Power Capacity | ~1.5 MW Utility Supply Connection |
| UPS Redundancy | 2N / N+1 Uninterruptible Power Supply Topology |
| Cooling System | Free-air cooling taking advantage of Nordic climate, primary chilled water system with N+1 modular compressors, N+2 CRAH unit distribution in white space, and direct-to-chip liquid cooling capability for high-density AI server racks. |
| Connectivity | Carrier-neutral host with direct access to dark fiber backbones and major international sea cable landing systems (C-Lion1). |
| PUE Target | < 1.20 Annualized Design PUE |
| Energy Mix | 100% Renewable Green Power (Hydro, Wind, and Geothermal) with integrated waste heat recovery for district heating supply. |
Milestones
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| Announcement | Q4 2022 (Acquisition & Retrofit Announcement) |
| Construction Start | Operational Facility (Continuous AI Upgrade Phases) |
| Phase 1 Go-Live | Operational |
| Full Buildout | Fully Operational / Ongoing High-Density AI Expansions |
Investment Details
| Header | Details |
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| Total Investment | Confidential / Part of atNorth's multi-hundred million Euro Nordic expansion program |
| Funding | Equity Capital by atNorth (backed by Equinix & CPP Investments) |