Finland proposes new grid connection priorities for data centers

Finland’s government has proposed ending first-come, first-served processing for electricity grid connections. Under a draft amendment, applications would be divided into four priority categories, with smaller projects generally considered earlier. The proposal is intended to ease pressure on electricity prices and constrained network capacity, the government says.

The highest category would include connections of up to 3MW, critical infrastructure and certain energy storage projects. Data centers would generally be excluded unless they need no more than 1MW. The second category would cover data centers requiring more than 1MW and up to 10MW. They could receive different treatment if they agree to flexibility measures covering generation capacity equal to at least 80% of peak demand. Data centers above 10MW would fall into the third category; other applications would be placed in the fourth.

To qualify for priority, certain facilities would need local generation covering 50% of their expected annual electricity use. The generating facility would have to start operating within 36 months before the data center does, and be in the same locality. Data centers would also need to offer flexible generation or reduced demand through an organized electricity trading platform. Available uninterrupted generation would need to reach at least 10% of maximum demand.

Eligible projects in the first three categories would enter a shared six-month allocation process. The first allocation is scheduled for December 2027. The amendment is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, and could apply to earlier applications without completed connection agreements.