atNorth to Build 300MW AI Data Center in Sweden's Green North
- 300MW: The new AI data center in Sollefteå, Sweden, will have a capacity of 300 megawatts.
- 2028: The facility is set to be operational in the first half of 2028.
- 50 hectares: The data center will be built on a 50-hectare plot in the Hamre Industrial Park.
Experts view this development as a strategic move to meet the growing energy demands of AI, leveraging Sweden's renewable energy resources and sustainable infrastructure to support high-performance computing while addressing environmental concerns.
atNorth to Build 300MW AI Data Center in Sweden's Green North
SOLLEFTEÅ, Sweden – February 23, 2026 – In a significant move to meet the voracious energy demands of the artificial intelligence era, Nordic data center provider atNorth today confirmed its development of a massive 300-megawatt (MW) mega-site in Sollefteå, Sweden. The new campus, set to be operational in the first half of 2028, represents a major investment in the region's burgeoning digital infrastructure and highlights the growing strategic importance of the Nordics as a global hub for sustainable high-performance computing (HPC).
Located at the Hamre Industrial Park in Långsele, the 50-hectare plot is fully zoned and prepared for development, a crucial advantage that allows for an accelerated construction timeline. This speed to market is essential as technology companies and hyperscale cloud providers scramble to secure scalable capacity for AI and other data-intensive workloads. The project solidifies atNorth's position as a key player in a rapidly expanding market and signals a new chapter of economic development for the Sollefteå municipality.
The Nordic Advantage: Powering the AI Revolution
The decision to build in northern Sweden is a strategic one, leveraging the region's unique combination of abundant renewable energy, a cool climate ideal for reducing cooling costs, and a robust, stable power grid. As the global tech industry grapples with the immense electricity consumption of AI models, the Nordic countries have emerged as a prime destination for sustainable data center development. Sweden, in particular, with its vast hydropower resources, offers a compelling solution to the environmental and logistical challenges of powering next-generation computing.
Industry analysts note that the demand for high-density colocation services, which can support power-hungry server racks required for AI training, is skyrocketing. The Sollefteå site is being purpose-built to address this need. atNorth's modular architecture allows for flexible and scalable deployments, catering to both custom-built projects and large-scale colocation needs. This approach enables clients to secure the exact infrastructure they require while benefiting from the economies of scale that a 300MW campus can provide.
Furthermore, the location within the European Union offers a distinct advantage regarding data sovereignty. With regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governing data privacy, companies are increasingly seeking to host their data within the EU's jurisdiction, making a Swedish-based facility an attractive proposition for global enterprises.
A Sustainable Blueprint for Digital Growth
Beyond simply providing power, atNorth is building its reputation on a foundation of sustainability. The company has committed to running its facilities on 100% renewable energy, and the Sollefteå project will be no exception. This commitment directly addresses the growing concern over the carbon footprint of the digital economy.
"We face a critical point in time right now, where we must balance unprecedented growth in high density workloads with an increasingly urgent need for sustainable, scalable digital infrastructure," said Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO at atNorth. "Our Sollefteå campus represents a significant milestone for the company and demonstrates our commitment to building data center ecosystems that deliver both technical excellence and long-term value for local communities."
A key pillar of this sustainable approach is heat reuse. Data centers generate a tremendous amount of excess heat, which is typically vented into the atmosphere as waste. atNorth plans to actively pursue partnerships to capture this thermal energy and redirect it for local use, such as supplying a district heating network. This practice, already successfully implemented in other Nordic data center projects, turns a waste byproduct into a valuable community resource, embodying the principles of a circular economy.
From Industrial Park to Digital Hub: Transforming Sollefteå
The impact of a 300MW data center extends far beyond its physical footprint. For Sollefteå Municipality, the project is a landmark investment that promises significant economic transformation. The construction phase alone will generate substantial employment, and the long-term operation of the high-tech facility will create skilled jobs in engineering, IT, and site management, providing new career opportunities for local residents.
Local officials have enthusiastically welcomed the development, recognizing its potential to invigorate the regional economy and attract further investment.
"We are very pleased that atNorth has chosen Hamre Industrial Park for this significant investment," stated Emelie Wrede, Mayor and Chair of Sollefteå Municipality. "This establishment confirms that Sollefteå offers the right conditions for large-scale, future-oriented industry. The development will strengthen the local economy, create skilled employment opportunities, and further position our municipality as an attractive destination for sustainable digital infrastructure."
The project is expected to have a ripple effect, stimulating growth in ancillary services and positioning Sollefteå as a key node in Sweden's digital backbone.
atNorth's Expanding Nordic Footprint
The Sollefteå mega-site is the latest and most ambitious project in atNorth's aggressive expansion across the Nordic region. Headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland, the company has been systematically building a network of data centers in strategic locations. This announcement follows recent news of expansions in Iceland, plans for another site in Stockholm, and new facilities under construction in Finland and Denmark.
This broad geographic footprint allows atNorth to offer a comprehensive Nordic solution for clients seeking resilient, low-latency, and sustainable infrastructure. The company has also been forging key partnerships with major technology players like Nokia and Crusoe, further cementing its role in the evolving digital ecosystem. By continuing to invest heavily in scalable and eco-conscious infrastructure, atNorth is not just building data centers; it is laying the groundwork for the next wave of technological innovation.
