Microsoft‘s new data centres in Gävle, Sandviken and Staffanstorp are open for business for Azure customers.
The company states that its community investments in Sweden currently total more than $1.6 million, and includes partnerships with local organisations aimed at advancing workforce development, innovation, digital skills and community inclusion.
“As Swedish industries and enterprises look to adopt and innovate on Microsoft’s platform, our data centre investments build on our portfolio of products and services, while meeting important data residency, security and compliance needs,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith.
As part of Microsoft’s overall green goals, the data centre hub will be powered by 100% carbon-free energy, with 24/7 hourly energy matching with partner Vattenfall. The company has also signed a number of agreements for new renewable energy projects.
The sites’ servers will be cooled by outside air year-round, with rainwater being conserved to provide humidification and support for on-site facilities.
The region is also Microsoft’s first data centre hub to utilise Preem Evolution Diesel Plus for its backup generators, an eco-labelled fuel which contains at least 50% renewable raw material.
The hub will play host to Microsoft’s third European Circular Centre, which will enable the data centres to repurpose their servers and hardware.
“Our Swedish data centres are among the most sustainably designed and operated in the world, added Hélène Barnekow, General Manager, Microsoft Sweden.
“This is an important launch for Sweden and Europe, as I am of the firm conviction that new tech innovation is the most important enabler for the world to reach the global sustainability targets. By moving to the cloud, we create new opportunities to accelerate the transformation to a more sustainable future – together.”
