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

Finland has drafted an amendment ending arrival-order grid connections, splitting applications into four priority categories that push large data centers to the back of the queue. The rules take effect on January 1, 2027, with the first allocation round set for December 2027.

• Data centers up to 1MW keep priority in the first category
• Projects of 1–10MW must cover 80% of peak demand with flexible generation
• Facilities above 10MW fall into a lower-priority third category
• 50% of annual power use must come from local generation