Magnora Secures Grid Connection For Hämeenlinna Data Center In Finland

European data center developer Magnora has secured a firm grid connection for its Hämeenlinna data center project in Finland. The 150,000 sqm (1.61 million sq ft) facility is being developed with Northern Europe Energy Group (NEEG), with Magnora holding a 70 percent stake. The grid connection is scheduled for Q1 2029, though Magnora said an accelerated process could bring it forward to H2 2028. Magnora has also signed a non-binding agreement with a local utility to explore connections to the district heating network, backup power, and additional electricity supply.

"We are very pleased with this fast-track development, which would not have been possible without the support from and co-operation with the municipality and local partners. The MDATA team, which has developed a number of powered land projects over the last years, is now applying its experience to advance the Hämeenlinna project in close co-operation with local stakeholders," said Erik Sneve, executive chairman at Magnora Data Center ASA.

Magnora said the project’s potential capacity has increased beyond the previously reported 120MW following discussions with partners and further analysis. The company now plans a larger, multi-site campus with additional power capacity after the initial phase, though it has not disclosed the new capacity. Founded in 2001, Magnora became a renewable energy investor in 2018, focusing on wind, solar, and battery projects. It recently acquired a majority stake in Norwegian data center developer Storespeed. The company is also developing a 100MW data center project in Kristiansund, Norway, and is exploring opportunities in Sweden.