Microsoft has provided updates on the progress of its upcoming data center in Vaasa, Finland.

According to the company's community projects page, pre-construction work began on the site in mid-July and will continue in stages.

The first stages include work to clear the area, build site roads, transport rock material to the site, strengthen the soil, and move surplus soil.

The project is being developed on 469.5 acres of land, crossing the municipal border between Vaasa and Mutasaari on the west coast of Finland, within the GigaVaasa industrial zone. Microsoft acquired the land in June of this year.

The company submitted permit applications to begin building the data centers on the site in mid-August and has said that it will provide updates on the construction timeline once they proceed.

Destia is the main contractor for construction works at the site.

Microsoft is currently developing its first cloud region in Finland. The company announced plans for the data center region in 2022, and is working with Fortum to offer waste heat to local residents in Kolabacken, Kirkkonummi, and Hepokorpi, Espoo, from two Microsoft data centers currently under development. The company is also constructing in Vihti.

Other sites remain under development.