Connect | London // Nordics Market Spotlight
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- Talks Stage - Connect Show Floor | Ground Level
- Investment & Markets
- Open Session
Speakers
Erling Aronsveen
Principal, Lightcarrier AS
Bergþóra Halldórsdóttir
Vice Chairman of the Board, The Federation of Icelandic Industries
Chief Operating Officer, Verda
Merima Dzanic
COO/Head of Strategy & Operations, Danish Data Center Industry
Halldór Már Sæmundsson
CCO, Borealis Data Center
Chief Commercial Officer, Conapto
Ann Wingård
Managing Director, Swedish Data Center Industry
Antti 'Jogi' Poikola
Executive Director , Finnish Data Center Association (FDCA)
Head of Conference Production, Data Center Nation
Join us to hear the latest developments from one of the most exciting regions for data center developments in Europe. With exclusive deep dives into individual countries as well as the region as a whole, hear about the realities on the ground and why the Nordics continue to make headlines as the place for data center investment from those developing and building in the region.
AGENDA
Country spotlights
10:00 - 10:20: Denmark's Data Center Market: Growth, Policy and the Road Ahead
Denmark remains one of Europe's most attractive locations for digital infrastructure, but the market is entering a new phase. This session provides an up-to-date overview of the Danish data center landscape, drawing on the latest DDI Market Report. We will explore current market developments, investment trends and growth projections, while examining how energy availability, evolving regulation and public perception are shaping future expansion. The session will also provide insights into Denmark's policy landscape, grid access and the country's strategic role in supporting Europe's growing demand for AI, cloud and digital infrastructure.
Merima Dzanic, COO/Head of Strategy & Operations, Danish Data Center Industry
10:20 - 10:40: Finland: Insights into the fastest growing data center region in Europe
Get up to speed on Finland’s data centre market, from current growth and investment trends to the factors making the country an increasingly attractive destination. This presentation will explore why Finland, the key opportunities shaping the market, and the hot topics every data centre professional should have on their radar.
Antti 'Jogi' Poikola, Executive Director, Finnish Data Center Association (FDCA)
10:40-11:00 Sweden's Data Center Paradox: Abundant Power, Growing Demand – but Can We Scale Fast Enough?
Sweden has many of the ingredients needed to become a leading European hub for data centers and AI infrastructure: abundant low-carbon power, strong connectivity, a highly digitalized economy and a mature sustainability ecosystem. But abundant energy does not necessarily mean available power. As AI drives larger, denser and more power-hungry developments, grid capacity, time-to-power and permitting are becoming critical constraints.
This session will take a fact-based look at the Swedish market in 2026 – its scale, economic impact and investment outlook – and explore what Sweden needs to get right to turn its structural advantages into the next wave of data center growth.
Ann Wingård, Managing Director, Swedish Datacenter Industry Association
11:00-11:20 Iceland's Data Centre Market: Power, Policy and Room to Grow
Iceland has spent a century building energy capacity well beyond its own population's needs in order to serve export industries. Data centres are the newest of those industries, arriving in a country where land, climate and renewable power are already in place. This session gives a current view of the Icelandic market; how energy availability, grid access and public perception are shaping expansion, and how a new national industrial policy positions the sector in Iceland's next growth phase.
Bergþóra Halldórsdóttir, Vice Chairman of the Board at The Federation of Icelandic Industries
11:20 - 12:10pm: Panel: Defining the future of data center markets - Is it the Nordics time to step up?
As hyperscale demand, AI workloads, and sustainability mandates reshape global digital infrastructure, the competitive landscape for data center markets is entering a decisive new phase. Once viewed as a niche alternative, the Nordic region is now emerging as a serious contender thanks to its abundant renewable energy, political stability, advanced connectivity, and naturally cool climate. This panel will explore whether the Nordics are positioned to move from regional opportunity to global leadership - and what challenges must still be addressed to attract long-term investment at scale.
Bringing together industry experts, the discussion will examine how shifting energy dynamics, evolving customer requirements, and growing pressure for sustainable operations are redefining site selection strategies across Europe. From power availability and grid resilience to talent, regulation, and cross-border collaboration, the panel will assess what it will take for the Nordics to capitalize on this moment and help define the future of the global data center market.
Erling Aronsveen, Principal, Lightcarrier AS
Halldór Már Sæmundsson, CCO, Borealis Data Center
Stefan Nilsson, CCO, Conapto
Jorge Santos, Chief Operating Officer, Verda
