Finland to scrap first-come, first-served grid connections, pushing data centers down the queue

Finland proposes replacing its first-come, first-served grid connection system with four priority groups. Large data centers would drop down the queue, while connections up to 3MW get priority. The Electricity Market Act amendment is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

• Priority goes to connections up to 3MW, with data centers capped at 1MW
• Data centers of 1–10MW must cover 50% of consumption with local generation
• Sites above 10MW fall into the third group with no generation commitment
• First allocation under the new groups is planned for December 2027