Finland prepares data centre registry with potential tax incentives for registered operators

The Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs is developing a national data centre registry that could grant registered facilities access to electricity tax relief, Yle reports. The move aims to make Finland more attractive for “high value-added” data centres while compensating for recent tax increases on their energy consumption.

Under the preliminary plan, registration would be a lightweight notification process rather than a licensing procedure, according to Tapio Virkkunen, a senior specialist at the ministry. The registry would provide authorities with an overview of existing data centres and their expansion plans.

“The purpose of the registry would be to give a comprehensive picture of what kind of data centres exist in Finland and what kind of plans they have,” Virkkunen said.

The proposal originates from the government’s Data Centre Roadmap report, published in November 2025, which defines high-value data centres as those actively participating in electricity production and grid development. The report also recommends mandatory registration with Finnish authorities.

Tax relief to offset higher electricity taxes

The registry is linked to a planned tax relief programme, currently under preparation at the Ministry of Finance, which would partially reimburse data centres for increased electricity taxes. The government estimates the tax hike—set to take effect on 1 July—will generate an additional €23 million in revenue by year-end.

The relief programme, designed as a 10-year tax rebate with a maximum annual budget of €30 million, aims to mitigate the impact of the tax increase. Virkkunen noted that while the registry and tax relief are being developed in parallel, their implementation timelines may differ.

“It’s possible the tax relief could enter into force on 1 July, even if the registry launches later. In that case, registration might become a requirement for the relief only after the registry is operational,” he explained.

Finland’s data centre sector has seen significant growth, with major projects such as TikTok’s new facility in Kouvola (pictured above) currently under construction. The country’s cool climate and stable energy supply have positioned it as an attractive location for international operators.