Seppo Hietaoja,

13.10.2026

cblog

Tight data centre project timelines are putting pressure on the entire power distribution supply chain. Critical components are in high demand across Europe, while quality and safety cannot be compromised to meet ambitious deadlines. Infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction must therefore progress in parallel. But how quickly can a data centre actually be powered up?

The growth of renewable energy has increased the need to build and reinforce power grids. At the same time, the rapid growth of digital infrastructure is driving new substation projects across Europe. Data centres have added a whole new dimension to this demand, with project timelines significantly tighter than those traditionally seen in power infrastructure construction.

With tight schedules, bringing in an experienced power infrastructure supplier early in the project is essential. To put it somewhat bluntly, if a potential partner first hears about a new data centre project when it's announced publicly, power infrastructure planning is already behind schedule.

Start planning power infrastructure from day one

A substation is the critical link between a data centre and the power grid. It enables electricity to be supplied safely and reliably to the data centre.

Ideally, the power infrastructure partner should be involved throughout the development of the data centre's electrical infrastructure, from initial planning and procurement to construction, testing and commissioning. Early involvement helps ensure that the technical solution is reliable, cost-effective and feasible within the project schedule.

At the beginning of a project, the customer may only know the required power capacity, but this is enough to get planning under way. An experienced partner can help identify the most suitable technical solution for the required capacity.

Power grid capacity and the availability of suitable connection points vary by location. This is why the feasibility and schedule of the grid connection should be assessed early in the project.

The type of grid connection also affects the project schedule. When building a new power line, obtaining the necessary permits can be particularly time-consuming. This is why data centres are often connected to the grid using underground cables, which are generally easier to route and obtain permits for than overhead power lines.

Keeping ahead of long lead times

Demand for power infrastructure construction is high across Europe, leading to particularly long lead times for high-voltage components. Preliminary engineering needs to progress quickly so that key components can be ordered and their delivery schedules confirmed as early as possible. This often means that long-lead components need to be ordered before the final designs are complete.

Delivering projects on tight schedules requires a partner with more than technical expertise. It also calls for a strong supply chain, established supplier relationships and the ability to anticipate future needs.

Caverion has a well-established partner network. Our long-standing supplier relationships allow us to reserve production slots and agree on production priorities when necessary. This helps us align deliveries with project schedules.

Large international supply chains may not always offer the same flexibility. In data centre projects with tight schedules, that flexibility can make a significant difference.

Factory testing helps avoid surprises on site

In fast-moving projects, it makes sense to carry out as much testing as possible before equipment reaches the construction site. Testing systems in advance under controlled conditions helps identify potential issues earlier and speeds up commissioning on site.

At Caverion, substation protection and control systems are tested at our testing facilities in Turku or Tallinn. We typically assemble and test the systems several months before the substation is completed, then deliver them to site. Once installed, the entire system undergoes final testing to ensure it is correctly installed and ready for commissioning.

Safety is critical when construction and operation overlap

Data centre electrical infrastructure is typically built in phases. Once the first phase is operational, construction of subsequent phases continues while parts of the substation are already in service and energised.

Working around live electrical equipment requires experience, careful planning and a proactive approach to safety. Risks must be assessed before work begins, and all activities need to be coordinated to ensure safe working conditions and avoid unplanned interruptions to the customer’s power supply.

At Caverion, we plan the work in close collaboration with the teams carrying it out, drawing on our extensive experience of working at operational substations. International data centre customers also have their own stringent health and safety requirements, which we can align with national regulations.

Quality management is also an integral part of every stage of delivery, from engineering and procurement to factory testing, construction and commissioning. Quality must be monitored and managed daily, as any issues left unresolved could lead to delays and additional costs later in the project.

How long does it take to build a data centre's power infrastructure?

We can currently deliver a complete substation in less than a year. In the Lappeenranta data centre project, the substation is being delivered on an even tighter schedule of around eight months. The first phase of the project will have a maximum capacity of 70 MW.

With 15 years of experience in power infrastructure development, I can say that fast delivery doesn't depend on any single factor. Success depends on getting every stage of the project right. Power infrastructure planning must start early, technical solutions need to be selected with the project schedule in mind, and long-lead components must be secured well in advance. A strong local partner network and advance testing also help keep the project on schedule.

Efficient project delivery also relies on systematically applying lessons learned from previous substation projects. Each project is documented and analysed so that proven practices can be applied to future projects, while maintaining high standards of safety and quality throughout.

By the time a substation is energised, much of the work that determines the project’s success has already been done. In data centre power infrastructure, early planning is just as important as the delivery itself.

Planning a data centre project? Bring in power infrastructure experts from the outset. We can help you plan, build and commission your substation. If needed, we can also support you with electrical operation management, servicing and maintenance.

Get in touch to discuss your project.

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