Developers Move Beyond Major Cities to Speed Up AI Infrastructure 
Europe’s booming artificial intelligence industry is changing where data centres are being built, as developers increasingly look beyond major cities for cheaper electricity, more affordable land and faster access to the power grid.
The shift comes as AI systems require enormous amounts of computing power. Data centres already account for a significant share of Europe’s electricity use, while the EU expects data-centre capacity to expand substantially by 2030.
Power Becomes the Biggest Challenge
For AI companies, finding suitable land is no longer enough. A location must also have access to large, reliable supplies of electricity and the infrastructure needed to connect quickly to the grid.
This is encouraging developers to consider less traditional locations, including areas with available power capacity and cheaper land.
The Nordics are particularly attractive because of their access to relatively abundant low-carbon electricity, available land and cooler climates that can help with cooling costs.
A Race for AI Infrastructure
The competition is becoming increasingly important for Europe’s ambitions to remain competitive in AI.
The European Commission aims to triple the region’s data-centre capacity within five to seven years, but warns that rapid growth could increase grid congestion and put pressure on electricity prices if it is not properly managed.
For Europe, the AI race is therefore becoming a race for something much more physical: land, electricity and the infrastructure to deliver both quickly.