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Scope of the decision and timeline

Preparatory work at two planned Google data center sites in Finland has been stopped after concerns over the clearing of more than 300 hectares of forested land. The decision covers pre-construction activities for facilities Google plans to build in Muhos and Kajaani.

The Finnish Supervisory Authority (LVV) said work had been carried out at least at one site before the required environmental impact assessment was completed. The authority asked for activities that could significantly alter the environment to be suspended until Oct. 23.

What was done at the sites?

According to Tommi Muilu, who heads LVV’s environmental unit, the work included removing trees and topsoil, opening access roads and storage areas, and making changes to ditches. Environmental conservation groups had called for the process to be halted, saying cutting had taken place in areas that should have been protected.

  • Removal of trees and topsoil
  • Preparation of site roads and storage areas
  • Changes to ditch layouts

Company given time to respond

Tuike Finland, which is leading the projects, was asked to submit a statement by Oct. 14 explaining how it intends to proceed. LVV said enforcement proceedings could be launched if the request is not met.

Google told the BBC that it understands the concerns, saying it had “fallen short of our own high standards.” The company said it acted in good faith under Finland’s Forest Act, carried out nature surveys, and took measures to protect areas of high environmental value.

Google also said it is advancing landscape and biodiversity plans in Muhos, including tree planting across a 130-hectare area.

€13 billion plan and Finland’s role

Google announced last month that it will invest €13 billion in Finland. The company described the program as its largest single investment in Europe, with plans to build new data centers in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala in 2027 and 2028, as well as invest in its existing facility in Hamina.

According to the company, the infrastructure will help meet rising demand for services such as Search, Maps and the Gemini AI assistant. Google expects the construction phase to support more than 37,000 jobs and add an average of €3.6 billion a year to the Finnish economy.

As part of the expansion, the company also signed a 22-year power purchase agreement with Finnish energy group Fortum covering up to half the capacity of the Loviisa nuclear power plant. Fortum said the deal would support operation of the plant through 2050.

Finland is attracting growing interest for data center investment because of its cool climate and low-carbon electricity generation. Lower temperatures can also reduce the energy needed for cooling in facilities that house large numbers of servers.

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