Finland halts Google data center construction over environmental concerns

Finnish authorities have ordered the suspension of construction activities for two Google data centers located in Muhos and Kajaani. The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) intervened after determining that Google’s local representative, Tuike Finland Oy, conducted significant environmental modifications—including tree clearing, soil removal, and road construction—before completing mandatory environmental impact assessments.

Reports indicate that approximately 530 hectares of forest have been affected, with roughly 330 hectares cleared in Muhos alone. The suspension, which includes a deadline of October 23, prohibits activities that significantly alter the environment but allows for continued planning, surveys, and soil testing.

Google acknowledged that it failed to meet its own high environmental standards during the process. While the company maintained it acted in good faith under Finnish forestry laws and conducted biodiversity studies, it has committed to mitigation efforts, including a plan to plant trees across 130 hectares in Muhos. The project is part of a larger 13 billion euro investment intended to expand Google’s digital and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Finland.