Helen, one of the largest energy companies in Finland, has made a public announcement inviting data centers to be part of its energy system.
Helen stated that its energy system in Helsinki is a ready platform for data centers, and that there are already several in the area. There is however still extra room in the system, and Helen is currently exploring data center operators interested in locating in the Helsinki area.
In areas with advanced district heating and cooling networks, such as Helsinki, data centers can be utilized as part of the energy system. The electricity they use always turns into heat, which can then be used to heat homes – as long as they are located close enough to the district heating network.
"The synergy benefits of data centers for the energy system are obvious. Helen can deliver the heat generated by the data center's operations for the use of city residents, while the data center gets cost-effective cooling. Helen also offers an electricity connection and clean electricity deliveries to the data center. We are a full-service energy partner for data center operators," says Helen's Chief Operating Officer Tuukka Toivonen.
"The energy transition we are implementing in Helsinki means that there is a need for clean energy forms, and our system has room from hyperscaler to edge operators. With our expertise, we are ready to support data center operators in establishing themselves in Helsinki," says Toivonen.
