Google to invest €13bn in Finnish data centre expansion

Google has announced a €13 billion investment in Finland over the next two years, marking the company’s largest single investment in Europe. The expansion focuses on the construction of data centres in the municipalities of Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala, as well as expanding existing operations in Hamina.

In Muhos, a rural municipality of approximately 8,800 people, the project is expected to bring significant economic activity and thousands of international workers during the construction phase. Local officials suggest the investment could fundamentally transform the Oulu region. However, residents have expressed concerns regarding the massive electricity consumption required by the facilities.

The project is also facing environmental scrutiny. Finland’s supervisory agency, LVV, is investigating whether more than 300 hectares of forest were cleared in Muhos without the mandatory environmental impact assessment. While Google maintains that all clearing complies with the Forest Act, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation has called for a suspension of work until the legality of the land clearing is clarified.