Nebius $10B Finnish AI Hub Construction

Nebius is set to construct a significant artificial intelligence processing facility in Lappeenranta, Finland, representing a substantial investment exceeding $10 billion. This ambitious project will establish a 310 MW capacity data center campus, positioning it among Europe's largest when operational. The development, situated on a 100-acre site in the South Karelia region, is slated for initial capacity activation in 2027.

This Finnish expansion is a key component of Nebius's aggressive global strategy to secure over 3 GW of contracted power by 2026. The company has already established a strong foothold in the EMEA region, with more than 750 MW of power under contract. The Lappeenranta facility will become Nebius's most extensive site outside the United States, surpassing its previously announced 240 MW project near Lille, France.

The technological backbone of the new facility will feature cutting-edge hardware from NVIDIA, including its latest Blackwell and Rubin generation accelerated compute platforms. This commitment to advanced infrastructure is consistent with Nebius's deployment strategy, as evidenced by its Mäntsälä facility, which already houses Europe's first operational NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 system and plans to offer the NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72 starting mid-2026.

Beyond its technological prowess, the project carries significant economic implications for the region. The construction phase is projected to generate up to 700 skilled jobs, with a focus on local recruitment. Upon completion, the facility will provide approximately 100 permanent roles, complemented by hundreds of indirect employment opportunities in ongoing operations and maintenance. This influx of jobs is expected to invigorate the local economy.

Sustainability is a core tenet of the Lappeenranta development. The facility will incorporate a closed-loop liquid cooling system, eliminating the need for external water sources. Furthermore, a heat recovery system will be integrated with the local district heating network. This mirrors the successful approach at the Mäntsälä site, which demonstrably reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 4,000 tonnes in 2025 and lowered heating costs for connected households by around 10 percent. Energy procurement will prioritize low-carbon sources.

Nebius is also fostering local talent development through initiatives like Nebius Academy, aiming to build a skilled AI workforce and stimulate regional innovation. The development of the Lappeenranta site was a collaborative effort, with Finnish developer Polarnode serving as a key partner. This strategic alignment underscores Nebius's commitment to integrating within the Finnish technological ecosystem.