Data centers are powering Finland’s next phase of growth and creating a new field of expertise

Data center construction has rapidly developed into one of the most significant growth opportunities in Finland’s construction industry. International investments are already taking shape across Finland through major construction projects, growing demand for skilled professionals, and new business opportunities for Finnish companies.

Cloud services, artificial intelligence, and growing data volumes are increasing the need for new data centers. Finland is well positioned to attract these investments. A stable operating environment, low-emission electricity generation, a skilled workforce, and strong construction expertise form a competitive combination.

Data center construction challenges and develops expertise

Data centers are the physical infrastructure of the digital society: digital services depend on secure, energy-efficient, and highly reliable buildings and systems.

Data center construction involves familiar construction disciplines, but as a whole it is one of the industry’s most demanding project types. Structural construction, electrical systems, automation, cooling, and energy systems must be integrated so that the facility operates reliably around the clock. International customers, demanding schedules, and rapidly evolving solutions require seamless collaboration, strong project management, and expertise from design through testing and commissioning.

One of the key differences from conventional construction is the importance of systems testing and the commissioning process. A data center’s technical reliability is verified through phased testing, culminating in confirmation that the different systems operate together as intended. This requires close collaboration between construction teams, building services specialists, designers, equipment suppliers, and the customer.

In our experience, success depends above all on strong overall management. Construction, building services installations, and commissioning cannot be managed as separate entities; they must form an integrated delivery process built around shared objectives.

Finland’s reliable energy system is a competitive advantage

Finland’s competitive advantages include low-emission electricity generation, a stable power system, and favorable conditions for developing new energy generation. The cool climate can also support energy-efficient cooling for data centers.

For major data center investments, however, the decisive factors are not only the volume or price of electricity, but also the power grid’s ability to respond to rapidly growing demand. Sufficient grid connection capacity, continued grid development, and predictable investment schedules are essential for projects to proceed.

Data centers can also contribute to the development of the energy system. Renewable energy, energy storage, balancing power, and the use of waste heat from data centers offer opportunities to connect the growth of digital infrastructure with the development of the energy system.

Data centers strengthen investment in Finland and create jobs

Data centers are part of the new energy, technology, industrial, and digital infrastructure investments Finland needs. They develop infrastructure, services, and expertise around them that can also be used in other demanding projects, strengthen Finnish companies’ ability to deliver projects on an international scale, and create a foundation for new business.

Data center construction sites employ project managers, site managers, specialists, and construction professionals, while also indirectly employing designers, subcontractors, material suppliers, logistics providers, and local service companies. At YIT’s data center construction sites, the share of Finland-based workers is typically around 85–90%.

In addition to the domestic workforce, the projects make extensive use of Finnish subcontractors, material suppliers, and service companies. Strong local partner networks are also a significant competitive advantage for international customers that need reliable partners with strong delivery capabilities.

Our goal is to ensure that as much of the work, expertise, and added value generated by these investments as possible remains in Finland.

The growth of data center construction gives construction professionals an opportunity to develop their expertise in a new growth sector through large, technically demanding, and international projects. YIT aims to strengthen data center expertise in Finland while continuously developing its own capabilities to meet the requirements of international customers.

We are continuously looking for new professionals to join us in building this growth. Current data center career opportunities are available on YIT’s careers website.

One partner for complex data center project delivery

YIT is involved in data center projects from the early development and design stages. We deliver projects from construction and building services installations through systems testing and commissioning, in line with the agreed contract scope.

Our strengths include managing demanding technical systems, local knowledge, and the ability to use local professionals and partner networks.

For international customers, the most important consideration is ultimately delivery reliability: the ability to deliver a safe, high-quality, and reliable data center on schedule. This requires not only technical expertise, but also strong leadership, proactive risk management, and seamless collaboration between all parties.

Data center construction offers Finland an opportunity to develop new internationally competitive specialist expertise. Our role is to ensure that we can meet this demand while building sustainable growth for the Finnish construction industry.

  Open vacancies

Read more about data centers