Energy Park and Data Center to be Established in Pori
The Copper Industrial Park in Pori will soon be home to the Ecogrid Energy Park, a billion-euro international energy project combining a state-of-the-art data center and a balancing power plant. Designed to support Finland’s energy transition, the environmentally neutral facility will create jobs, promote green innovations, and contribute to the national grid’s capacity.
The Copper Industrial Park in Pori, the former industrial area of Outokumpu, will soon host the innovative Ecogrid Energy Park—an international energy hub set to redefine sustainable energy solutions. The site, already zoned for industrial use, will feature a large-scale data center and a power plant contributing to Finland’s national grid’s balancing capacity. The total project investment is expected to exceed €1 billion and employ hundreds during construction.
Collaboration and Expertise Driving the Project
Key partners behind the project include CompassForge Ltd, ecogrid.energy Ltd, and NCC Finland Ltd. CompassForge, in collaboration with NCC, oversees property development, while ecogrid.energy focuses on infrastructure, energy management, and grid-level collaboration. The operator for the data center has yet to be selected.
Outokumpu has sold a 37-hectare plot, bordered by Tampereentie, Ulvilantie, and Mastojentie, to CompassForge Venture for the energy park. This strategic location will accommodate a cutting-edge international data center and a reserve power plant utilizing hydrogen or biogas to support grid regulation.
Environmental and Community Benefits
The Ecogrid Energy Park is designed to be environmentally neutral. Waste heat generated by the park will be directed to Pori’s district heating network, with the capacity to heat the entire East Pori area. Additionally, the park may offer new energy services to surrounding businesses, enhancing regional energy resilience.
Expert Leadership and Future Prospects
Project leader Seppo Ihalainen, a pioneer in Finland’s data center industry, describes the initiative as one of the country’s most significant in scale and capacity. “The site is among the best in the Nordics, offering exceptional conditions for a rapid and green implementation,” he notes. Construction could begin by the end of the year.
Sami Nyroos, NCC’s Property Development Director, emphasizes the project’s strategic importance: “The Copper Industrial Park project represents a shift from residential to industrial construction in Satakunta. The coastal region is seeing several development projects and attracting interest from diverse sectors.”
Supporting Finland’s Energy Transition
With an initial electricity demand of 150 megawatts, the data center will rely on Pori Energia for electricity transmission and district heating integration. The energy park aligns with Finland’s renewable energy goals, facilitating offshore wind and solar power projects.
Landscaped buildings within a park-like setting aim to inspire further development in the area, with plans for a second phase already under consideration. Backed by Pori’s municipal leadership, the Ecogrid Energy Park is set to become a cornerstone of sustainable energy innovation in Finland.
For More Information: https://compassforge.ventures/news/energy-park-and-data-center-to-be-established-in-pori-finland/