Finland orders halt to work on Google data centre sites

What the report says

Finnish authorities have ordered work to stop at two Google data centre sites in the municipalities of Muhos and Kajaani until mandatory environmental impact assessments are completed, according to Al Jazeera, citing AFP and Reuters. The order came from Finland’s environmental supervisory agency, which said Tuike Finland, the company representing Google, must halt preparatory work that significantly alters the environment while the review is carried out.

The agency is examining whether forest clearance and other site preparation began without the required assessment. Its description of the work includes tree removal, topsoil stripping, construction of access roads and storage areas, and changes to drainage ditches. A Finnish nature conservation official also told AFP that a large area of forest had been logged, though that claim comes from an outside group and is not part of the agency’s finding.

Google announced in September that it planned a 13 billion euro investment in digital infrastructure in Finland over the next two years, describing the project as its largest in Europe. The company said it would review the regulator’s findings and follow guidance from the authority. It also said it was moving ahead with landscaping and biodiversity plans, including tree planting at one site.

The dispute comes amid wider Finnish debate over data centres, electricity demand and grid capacity. Opposition parties have recently pushed for stronger rules to prevent power shortages and higher energy prices, while supporters argue the projects can bring investment if power supply remains secure.