Facebook will be hoping its users like the energy source of its new data centre (pictured) in Sweden – as its first data centre outside of the United States is powered by hydroelectricity.

The social media site’s Luleå facility, located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, is serving live user traffic from around the world.

Facebook said in a statement: “As our systems come online for the first time, we are proud to say that this is likely to be one of the most efficient and sustainable data centres in the world.”

All the equipment inside it is powered by locally generated hydro-electric energy and this supply is “so reliable” according to Facebook that it has been able to reduce the number of backup generators required at the site by more than 70%.

Thousands of servers which store information from the website’s users including holiday snaps, videos, comments and ‘Likes’ are kept cool with “chilly Nordic air” while any excess heat produced is used to keep the offices warm.