Brookfield Asset Management plans to invest nearly $10 billion in a massive AI data center in Strängnäs, Sweden. The facility could become one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The project is expected to create over 1,000 permanent jobs and up to 2,000 temporary construction jobs. This marks one of Brookfield’s most significant infrastructure moves in Europe. It also follows a separate $22 billion AI commitment the firm made in France earlier this year.
The Canadian investment firm said the decision to build in Strängnäs was based on access to reliable electricity and proximity to Stockholm. The land deal, however, is conditional. The municipality will sell the land only if all planning requirements for an AI facility are met. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, a native of Strängnäs, welcomed the announcement and called it “especially exciting.”
Scaling AI Infrastructure with Local Advantages
Brookfield’s planned AI data center in Strängnäs will cover nearly 3.8 million square feet. The project highlights Europe’s growing demand for local AI infrastructure. As more data needs to stay within European borders, firms are racing to build centers that meet security and legal standards. “This is about building the backbone of AI innovation,” said Sikander Rashid, Brookfield’s head of Europe. He emphasized the need to “invest at scale” to remain competitive in the AI economy.
The location offers key logistical advantages. Strängnäs sits close to Stockholm and university hubs like Västerås, Uppsala, and Linköping. These cities provide a talent pipeline of engineers, developers, and data scientists. The area also has strong internet connectivity and green energy supplies, crucial for energy-intensive AI operations. The facility will serve as both a data hub and an anchor for Sweden’s growing digital economy.
Job Creation, Long Timelines, and Regional Competition
Construction of the center is expected to take 10 to 15 years. During that period, the site will employ thousands of temporary workers. Once fully operational, over 1,000 permanent staff will run and maintain the center. The land agreement is not yet final. Strängnäs municipality made clear that the sale will proceed only if all AI-related conditions are satisfied. Otherwise, ownership will revert to the municipality. This protects local interests while allowing time for planning and community input.
Brookfield is not alone in ramping up AI infrastructure across Europe. Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta have all pledged multi-billion-dollar investments in regional data centers. Nvidia also announced that it would supply its latest AI hardware to Swedish companies building out their own infrastructure. This wave of development reflects how critical AI computing power has become. But it also brings challenges like energy use, real estate strain, and community integration. Sweden’s stable grid and strong sustainability record make it a natural hub, but not without oversight.
Brookfield’s AI Bet Signals Europe’s New Data Power Race
Brookfield’s $10 billion move shows how seriously global investors are taking Europe’s AI infrastructure needs. As AI adoption accelerates, demand for sovereign data processing and storage will only grow. Brookfield’s decision puts Sweden in the spotlight as a strategic AI hub. The facility could push smaller markets to upgrade their digital infrastructure faster. And with tech giants circling the region, the competition to lead Europe’s AI future is officially underway.
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