The city of Kitee, in Southeast Finland, will sign a preliminary property purchase agreement with Scale42, a Norwegian-British company that develops and operates data centers supporting artificial intelligence.
The agreement concerns a 10-hectare plot in the northern part of the Kitee Puhos industrial area. Scale42 plans to build a new AI-enabled data center in the area The goal is to start construction in 2026, with the data center ready and in use by 2027–28.
The growing demand for digital processing, fueled by AI, offers opportunities for regions with surplus electricity to benefit economically and create future jobs. Scale42 and the City of Kitee believe that the project will open up new career paths that will enable young people to stay or return to the region. It is estimated that 50–100 permanent jobs will be created.
The first industrial-scale data center project in North Karelia
William Tasney, CEO of Scale42: "From the first discussions, Kitee has felt like a true partner – practical, welcoming and forward-looking. Kitee is a place with strong industrial roots and pride. We want to be part of its next chapter, the transition to a digital economy and the creation of high-skill digital career paths that enable young people to build their future in their home town. Finland's exceptionally clean and reliable electricity makes Kitee one of the best places in Europe to deploy the latest AI equipment responsibly. We are grateful to the city and the community for their support as we embark on this exciting project together."
Pekka Hirvonen, Mayor of Kitee: "It has been a pleasure to discuss the possibility of building a data center in Kitee with Scale42 representatives. We are particularly impressed by how the people at Scale42 take into account local conditions and the local residents. Economically, the project will bring significant added value to the area through new jobs. The new company and jobs will strengthen the local community's faith in the future. The developing Puhos industrial area and Puhos port are strategic focus points for Kitee. Puhos is also an excellent location for other new companies. Scale42's data center is a perfect fit for the area. Special thanks to Pauliina Pikkujämsä from Business Joensuu for her help and professional coordination of the negotiation process."
Pauliina Pikkujämsä, Business Joensuu, Service Director: “This project marks an exciting milestone as it is the first industrial-scale data center project in North Karelia. Business Joensuu is proud to collaborate with the City of Kitee and Scale42 to ensure that the region benefits from new expertise, innovation and long-term growth. We also invite other companies to find unique opportunities in sustainable future investments.”
