How kW-set Oy Fuels atNorth’s Expansion of Nordic Data Centers

When atNorth sought backup power for one of its Nordic data centres in 2023, the company faced a challenge common to all leading data centre operators: securing reliable emergency generators.

The solution came from Finland. kW-set Oy secured the contract to supply six generators for atNorth’s FIN02 facility. Two years later, kW-set now provides turnkey backup power solutions across a significant portion of atNorth’s Nordic portfolio.

“Our partnership with atNorth began in 2023, when we received our first order for FIN02,” says Atte Hietaoja, Partner and Chief Sales Executive at kW-set Oy. “The second phase was Iceland, followed by Denmark, and now we are supplying several sites for atNorth.”

Embracing sustainable backup solutions

The collaboration between atNorth and kW-set underscores a reality that environmental advocates find challenging: data centres still rely on diesel for backup power, and alternatives remain impractical at scale. The physics are unforgiving.

“The standard requirement for data centres is to have 48 hours of energy stored on-site. In practice, this is only achievable with diesel. Using gas or hydrogen would necessitate 10–20 times more storage space, while batteries would require roughly one million times (10⁶) more space,” Atte explains.

kW-set Oy addresses environmental concerns through operational realities and fuel chemistry. Most backup generators operate only during scheduled tests and actual outages. “The diesel generators are primarily used for emergencies. The running hours are quite low, and since they are operated only a few hours each year, the total emissions are minimal,” Atte notes.

The company also integrates renewable diesel capabilities. “We can utilize HVO, which is renewable diesel. This reduces total emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fuels. This is also applicable at atNorth,” he adds.

Nordic logistics demonstrate kW-set Oy capabilities across challenging routes

As the atNorth partnership expanded beyond Finland into new Nordic markets, kW-set Oy encountered increasingly complex logistical challenges. The company’s ability to deliver backup power systems across vast distances and difficult terrains proved crucial for maintaining the relationship.

“One of the most notable milestones is the deliveries to Iceland. The distance between Finland and Iceland is comparable to that between Finland and Portugal or Spain – over 3,000 kilometres by sea – and we delivered the generators on schedule,” Atte states.

kW-set’s logistical expertise has become increasingly valuable as European data centre operators venture into new territories. Traditional hubs like Frankfurt and London face capacity constraints that drive operators toward previously overlooked regions. “If we examine the data centre market, it’s growing rapidly. These so-called flagship countries like Frankfurt and London are quite congested,” Atte observes.

Nordic countries offer advantages beyond available land, particularly in sustainable energy production. “We are now witnessing growing demand in the Nordics, driven by sustainable energy production, which favors these countries,” Atte notes.

This geographic shift benefits operators like atNorth and their suppliers. Customer demand has also prompted kW-set Oy to explore adjacent product categories. “We have received numerous requests from customers for an E-POD or power pod supplier like us, so we have actually begun manufacturing and selling E-PODs and power pods this year. This marks a new product category for us,” Atte shares.