In brief
The Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV) has issued a halt to construction at Google’s proposed data‑centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani, warning that the company carried out extensive tree removal and site preparation without a mandatory environmental impact assessment. Google admitted it fell short of its own standards and pledged to comply with the LVV’s demands. The two sites are part of a €13 bn investment in Finland, the firm’s biggest single European purchase, which will add thousands of jobs and national economic growth. Local conservation groups have called for a pause to evaluate the environmental impact. Google plans to resume work following a revised plan, including tree planting and biodiversity measures.
Finland’s Supervisory Agency (LVV) has ordered Google to stop all work at its planned data‑centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani until 23 October, after it found the company carried out extensive tree removal and site preparation without the required environmental impact assessment.
The directive comes amid concerns that the projects could clear more than 300 hectares of forest. LVV head of environment Tommi Muilu said the work included removal of trees and topsoil, construction of roads and storage areas, and changes to ditches. If Google fails to comply with the agency’s demands, it could face enforcement proceedings.
“We have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance,” Google said in a statement. The company also said it had acted in good faith under the Forestry Act, carried out nature surveys and put measures in place to protect areas of high environmental value.
The two sites are part of Google’s €13 bn ($15 bn) investment in Finland, announced less than a month ago and described by the company as its largest single investment in Europe. Construction is expected to support more than 37,000 jobs and contribute an average of €3.6 bn a year to Finland’s economy. In addition, Google signed a 22‑year power‑purchasing agreement with Fortum for up to half the capacity of the Loviisa nuclear power plant to support the new facilities.
Local conservation groups, including the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, have urged a pause to review the environmental requirements. Google’s future plans for the sites include tree planting across 130 hectares of Muhos and other biodiversity initiatives to offset its impact.
Finland’s cool climate and low‑carbon electricity make it an attractive location for data‑centres, as lower temperatures reduce the energy needed to cool servers and appeal to tech giants looking to lower carbon footprints.
