atNorth Expands Nordic Data Centres with kW-set Oy Power
As capacity constraints drive the Nordic expansion, kW-set Oy has provided turnkey backup power solutions for atNorth data centers from Denmark to Iceland.
In 2023, atNorth encountered a challenge that many newer operators face when they need backup power for their first Nordic data center: finding dependable emergency generators without the in-house technical teams that hyperscalers take for granted.
Finland provided the answer. The contract to supply six generators for North’s Fin02 facility was awarded to kW-set Oy. After two years, kW-set offers comprehensive backup power solutions for all of North’s Nordic products.
“When we received the first order for Fin02 in 2023, we began working with atNorth,” explains Atte Hietaoja, kW-set Oy’s partner and chief sales executive. “Iceland was the second phase, followed by Denmark, and we are currently providing all the sites for atNorth.”
Diesel Backup Power Remains Essential for Data Centres
The collaboration between kW-set and atNorth highlights a painful reality for environmentalists: data centers continue to rely on diesel for backup power, and large-scale alternatives remain unfeasible. The laws of physics are harsh.
“A 48-hour energy storage capacity is a standard requirement for data centers.” In reality, only diesel makes this possible. Batteries would need about a million times (10⁶) more storage area than gas or hydrogen, which would require 10–20 times as much. Atte clarifies.
kW-set Oy uses fuel chemistry and operational reality to address environmental concerns. The majority of backup generators operate only during planned tests and actual outages. “Emergencies are the primary usage for the diesel generators. Because they are only used for a few hours a year, the total emissions are quite low, and the running hours are really low,” Atte says.
Additionally, the organization integrates renewable diesel capabilities. “We can utilize renewable diesel, or HVO. Compared with conventional fuels, this reduces emissions by up to 90%. This is also true in the North.
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Overcoming Nordic Logistics Challenges
kW-set Oy had to deal with more complex logistical issues as the atNorth cooperation expanded beyond Finland into other Nordic markets. The company’s capacity to transport backup power systems over long distances and challenging terrain would be essential to preserving the partnership.
Deliveries to Iceland are among the most intriguing achievements. We delivered the generators on schedule, and the distance between Finland and Iceland is similar to that between Finland and Portugal or Spain —about 3,000 kilometers by sea, according to Atte.
The logistical expertise of kW-set has become increasingly valuable as European data center providers expand into new markets. Due to capacity issues, traditional hubs like Frankfurt and London are being forced to focus on previously unexplored areas. The data center industry is growing at a remarkably fast rate. According to Atte, “Major hubs such as Frankfurt and London have become highly saturated.”
Beyond land availability, Nordic nations have advantages, especially in generating clean energy. “We are seeing an increase in demand in the Nordic region due to sustainable energy production, which benefits the Nordic nations,” Atte says.
Expanding Offerings and Supporting Nordic Growth
Operators such as atNorth and their suppliers gain from the geographic change. Additionally, kW-set Oy has expanded into related product categories due to customer demand. We started manufacturing and selling E-PODs and power pods this year after receiving numerous requests from clients seeking a provider like ours. For us, that is a new product category, Atte explains.