Energy-efficient Kajaani data center

Home of supercomputers

CSC’s data center has been operating in Kajaani since 2012. It hosts Finland’s national supercomputers and the pan-European LUMI supercomputer. The cutting-edge data management and computing environment is used for solving some of the most complex scientific challenges and developing new sustainable innovations.

The data center is currently undergoing major developments:

• During summer 2026, the national supercomputers Mahti and Puhti will be replaced by the new supercomputer Roihu.
• The data center is expanding to host the next pan-European supercomputer, LUMI-AI, and the LUMI-IQ quantum computer. These systems are part of the LUMI AI Factory. The LUMI-AI supercomputer will gradually replace the current LUMI supercomputer. The expansion is expected to be completed in 2027, with the new supercomputing and quantum systems arriving thereafter.

Completed in 2021, the LUMI supercomputer has received awards for the data center’s innovative design and environmental sustainability. The facility also houses the massive data management system of the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), supporting the EU’s Destination Earth initiative .

CSC’s ISO/IEC 27001 certified information security management system covers the Kajaani data center, demonstrating our commitment to a high level of security.

Kajaani as a data center location

Driven by CSC’s world-class computing infrastructure and data center, other data center operators, and activities by Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, the University of Oulu, and Kainuu Vocational College, the Kajaani region is now a significant data center ecosystem developing education, expertise, and new business opportunities in the field.

The location in Kajaani has enabled the rapid construction, deployment, and expansion of the data center, as well as cost-efficient operations. This is supported by the private industrial power grid at the Renforsin Ranta business park, renewable energy production, affordable rent level, and the possibility to reuse the data center’s excess heat in the district heating network of the City of Kajaani.

Energy efficiency

The electricity used in CSC’s data center is renewable and backed by guarantees of origin. Kajaani’s northern location enables efficient air and liquid cooling year round.

The data center’s excess heat is recovered and fed into Kajaani’s district heating network, covering the annual heating needs of hundreds of households.

Together, air and liquid cooling, the use of renewable energy, and the reuse of excess heat enable energy-efficient and cost-effective data center operations.

Fast and reliable data connections

Fast and reliable data connections are essential for efficient data center operations.

The Finnish research and education network Funet provides connectivity to the internet and global research networks. The network is designed specifically for the needs of higher education institutions and the research community, enabling flexible provisioning of high-capacity connections and other services.

Ready-to-use infrastructure

CSC’s Kajaani data center is located in a former paper mill at the Renforsin Ranta business park. Repurposing existing industrial facilities has reduced the need for new construction.

Data center expertise

CSC has strong expertise in the design and construction of energy-efficient high-performance computing facilities, as well as in operations and support services.