The Nordic data centre market is gearing up for significant growth over the next five years, as businesses across Europe ramp up their AI investments. The region is attracting investment due to its cooler climate, more affordable renewable energy, and better availability compared to constrained FLAP-D markets.

Leading this innovation is atNorth, a Nordic data centre operator that prioritizes sustainability in its growth strategy. At the helm is Anna Kristín Pálsdóttir, the company’s Chief Development Officer. Since joining just over a year ago, Anna has been instrumental in expanding the operator’s data centre footprint across the Nordic countries.

“I joined the company with the responsibility for footprint expansion – including site selection, design, technology, innovation, and delivery aligned with customer expectations,” she explains. “We are developing new data centres to ensure they meet atNorth’s standards along with industry and client requirements.”

Presenting a clear expansion strategy

“We have extensive expansion plans,” says Anna. The business is enhancing two of its three operational facilities in Iceland, where it launched its first operations in 2009. Alongside its four other operational sites in Finland and Sweden, it is set to open its first Danish site, with a second under development, as well as additional facilities planned in Finland and Sweden. “We have also secured extra land in Sweden designated for a future megasite and are evaluating multiple sites in Norway as well.”

Anna’s engineering background shapes her methodical approach to scaling operations. She underscores the importance of quickly learning from mistakes and systematically applying those lessons to future projects, stating, “we only make a mistake once and learn from it – this is essential for innovation.”

The rapid pace of expansion necessitates careful planning and modular thinking. atNorth’s leadership team continuously assesses which processes can be streamlined and scaled effectively. This strategy ensures that valuable operational knowledge translates into enhanced efficiency across all new developments, while also ensuring that new facilities provide genuine value.

“In everything I do, especially when we are venturing into something new, I always try to put myself in the customer’s position to ensure we are heading in the right direction,” Anna explains.

The Nordic region presents unique advantages for data centre operations, with renewable power being the most sought-after resource for atNorth.

“Sustainability is not just a checkbox for atNorth. It’s not something we are trying to incorporate into our business model or seeking ways to improve – it is the foundation of our operations,” Anna states. “Our responsible approach begins at the planning and site selection phase. We do not initiate a new project unless we have the opportunity to utilize heat reuse. This commitment extends throughout site development and includes consideration of how we will integrate into the communities where we operate.”

She adds: “This is our business – being responsible, continuously improving our footprint, and striving to achieve net carbon neutrality in the future.”