Verne & Nscale Advance Iceland AI Data Center Deployment

Nscale and Verne have successfully concluded the initial phase of a significant artificial intelligence computing build-out in Iceland. This milestone marks a crucial step in deploying advanced GPU capacity, leveraging Iceland's unique environmental advantages for efficient data processing.

The collaboration, initially announced in November 2025 with an agreement for 15MW of power from Verne's Icelandic data center campus, has seen the deployment of 7.5MW of GPU infrastructure in just three months. This rapid execution underscores the urgency and strategic importance of scaling AI capabilities within the Nordic region.

Central to this deployment is the integration of cutting-edge cooling technologies. The project features 128 racks, with a substantial portion, 64 racks, utilizing advanced liquid-cooling solutions for Nvidia GB300 GPUs. This focus on liquid cooling, which was planned to comprise 85% of the deployed GPUs, is essential for managing the thermal demands of high-performance computing, a growing challenge in the AI sector.

The project's success is a testament to a coordinated effort involving key industry players, including Computacenter, Lenovo, Vertiv, and Nvidia, alongside the primary partners Nscale and Verne. This multi-vendor approach highlights the complex ecosystem required to deliver large-scale AI infrastructure.

Verne's Icelandic campus, a 40-acre facility with over 140MW of potential IT capacity, is strategically positioned to benefit from the country's abundant renewable energy sources and natural free cooling capabilities due to its subarctic climate. The campus's status as Nvidia DGX authorized further solidifies its role as a prime location for advanced AI workloads. Verne, now under the ownership of Ardian since 2024, also operates facilities in Finland and the UK, demonstrating a broader European footprint.

This development aligns with Nscale's ambitious expansion strategy across the Nordics. Beyond Iceland, the company is actively developing sites in Finland and Norway. Through a joint venture with Aker, Nscale has secured land for substantial data center projects, including planned facilities of 250MW in Narvik and 230MW in Kvandal, alongside an operational site in Glomfjord. This aggressive build-out signals a strong commitment to capturing the growing demand for AI-centric digital infrastructure in Northern Europe, a region increasingly recognized for its sustainable energy and favorable climate for data centers.