Finnish authorities have ordered a halt to building work at two planned Google data centres, citing concerns over the clearance of more than 300 hectares of forest. The Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV) stated that work at one site proceeded without a mandatory environmental impact assessment.
The orders, affecting planned data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani, require measures that would "significantly alter the environment" to be suspended by 23 October. Google acknowledged it had "fallen short of our own high standards in this instance" and committed to following the agency's guidance.
According to Tommi Muilu, head of environment at LVV, the preparatory work included tree and topsoil removal, construction of site roads and storage areas, and changes to ditches. Tuike Finland, the company behind Google's data centre projects, has until 14 October to provide an explanation and outline its plans, with the agency warning of potential "enforcement proceedings" for non-compliance.
These sites are part of Google's €13bn investment in Finland, announced less than a month ago. The company plans new data centres in Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala, alongside investment in its existing facility in Hamina, to meet demand for services including Search, Maps, and its AI assistant Gemini.