Finland advances mandatory registration for data centers

The Finnish government is advancing a legislative proposal that would require large data centers to register with the National Emergency Supply Agency. According to Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto, the draft legislation is nearly complete and will soon be sent for consultation.

Under the proposed mandate, data centers would be required to disclose key information, including their ultimate beneficial owners, operators, and electricity consumption. This registration requirement is being linked to a proposed tax incentive model currently being prepared by the Ministry of Finance. The government’s intention is that only registered data centers would be eligible for these tax benefits.

However, the future of the tax incentives remains uncertain. While Finance Minister Riikka Purra has stated that the support model is ready and awaiting the registration proposal, industry representatives have expressed doubt. Antti Poikola, Executive Director of the Data Center Industry, suggested that the support might not be included in upcoming budget materials. The entire process has faced delays, as the compensatory tax support was originally intended to take effect in early July.