According to Blockworks, Marathon Digital is expanding its global footprint by entering the European market, marking a major milestone in its global diversification strategy. The move sets it apart from some North American competitors that focus primarily on domestic projects. Marathon recently activated a 2-megawatt data center in the Satakunta region of Finland, aiming to help heat a local town of 11,000 people.

The company is experimenting with a process known as district heating, which involves heating water in a central location and then distributing it via underground pipes. The system is specifically aimed at decarbonizing urban heating, according to Marathon. CEO Fred Thiel said such an innovation could drive the digital asset computing industry forward and further solidify Marathon’s leadership position in the space.

The initiative follows a pilot project in Utah that Marathon launched in November, which was powered solely by methane gas from landfills. The test proved that using landfill gas to calculate digital assets is economically feasible and environmentally beneficial. Marathon plans to explore more innovative uses for its data centers to promote sustainability, according to a recent press release.

Geographic diversification is another key aspect of Marathon’s strategy. The approach has been identified as a cost-cutting measure, particularly in light of the recent Bitcoin halving in April, which saw mining rewards per block drop from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. Headquartered in Florida, Marathon operates sites in Texas, Nebraska, and North Dakota in North America. Last year, the company expanded into the United Arab Emirates through a partnership with FS Innovation and is currently developing a 27 MW hydropower project in Paraguay.

Marathon has also expressed interest in Africa as a potential energy solution, recently partnering with Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to support the country’s energy growth. In contrast, some of Marathon’s main competitors, such as Las Vegas-based CleanSpark and Colorado-based Riot Platforms, are more focused on expanding in the United States.