Google Halts Finland Data‑Centre Construction Over Forest Clearing Fears

Tue Oct 06 2026 21:06:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Finnish regulators have ordered a stop to Google’s planned data centres, citing lack of environmental assessment and forest destruction.

Finnish authorities have suspended preliminary work on two of Google’s proposed data centres in Muhos and Kajaani, following findings that the company cleared over 300 hectares of forest without the required environmental impact assessment. The halt comes just weeks after Google announced a €13 bn investment in Finland, its biggest single spend in Europe. Google acknowledged falling short of its own standards and pledged to comply with the agency’s guidance, while it plans tree‑planting across 130 hectares at its Finnish sites. The move highlights increasing scrutiny of large tech data‑centre projects that can disrupt natural habitats, even in countries prized for their cool, low‑carbon electricity supply.

Google halts Finland data‑centre construction amid forest clearing fears

Finnish regulators have ordered a halt to preliminary work at two of Google’s planned data centres in Muhos and Kajaani over concerns that the company cleared more than 300 hectares of forest without the mandatory environmental impact assessment.

The sites form part of Google’s record €13bn investment in Finland, announced less than a month ago. The company described it as its largest single spend in Europe, aimed at boosting facilities for Search, Maps and its AI assistant Gemini.

The Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV) said work at one site had proceeded without a required assessment, and ordered all “significantly altering” measures to cease by 23 October. Google admitted the oversight, said it had fallen short of its own high standards, and pledged to follow the agency’s guidance.

Preparatory work had included tree removal, soil stripping, road construction, storage area set‑up, and ditch changes, as noted by LVV head of environment Tommi Muilu. The agency demanded that Tuike Finland, the developer behind Google’s projects, explain its plans and outline a path forward by 14 October, warning of enforcement proceedings if it failed to comply.

The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation called for work to be stopped while environmental requirements were examined, citing the felling of “nature sites which should be preserved.”

In a statement to BBC, Google said it acted in good faith under the Forestry Act, had carried out nature surveys and put protection measures in place for areas of high environmental value. It also announced a 22‑year power purchase agreement with Finnish energy company Fortum, covering up to half the output of the Loviisa nuclear power plant to help keep the plant running until 2050.

Finland remains a magnetic destination for data‑centre developers thanks to its cool climate and low‑carbon electricity. Colder temperatures reduce the energy needed for cooling server‑filled facilities, a key factor for companies looking to curb carbon footprints.

Google added that it is advancing landscaping and biodiversity plans, including planting trees across 130 hectares at Muhos, as part of its long-term work in the region. This move comes as the company’s construction phase in 2027‑28 is projected to create over 37,000 jobs and contribute an average of €3.6bn a year to Finland’s economy.

By Florence Freeman, BBC | 2 hours ago