Sesterce plans €10B AI campus in Finland

Sesterce plans to invest more than €10 billion in an AI data centre campus at the former Kaipola paper mill in Jämsä, Finland. The French firm says a first 200 MW phase is due to start construction in 2026, a second phase would reach 600 MW, and its long-term goal is more than 1 GW of AI capacity across Finnish industrial sites. It reports an unnamed anchor customer already secured, described by CEO Youssef El Manssouri as one of two leading AI labs, and expects about 2,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs with mostly Finnish contractors. El Manssouri said the aim is to preserve the area’s industrial identity while reusing existing infrastructure. Sesterce commits to closed-loop liquid cooling with rainwater and recycled water, 1 MW of new renewable generation per MW consumed within 10 years of operation, and a €10 million community fund; some outlets state the investment and fund in dollars. Mayor Jori Reijula called it an interesting opportunity for regional vitality if it moves from plans to implementation and meets requirements. Site-owner chair Martti Inkovaara told Yle sale talks are well underway. Permits remain required. Rated coverage is one left outlet only; no center- or right-rated headlines appear.