Finnish authorities have issued a stop-work order to Google regarding two AI data center projects. The decision follows allegations of unauthorized deforestation and land clearing activities conducted without government approval.
The environmental department, LVV, has prohibited the company from removing trees, topsoil, and performing excavation or quarrying. Google is still permitted to continue planning, measurements, and soil surveys that have minimal environmental impact.
A Google spokesperson acknowledged that the company failed to meet its internal standards in this instance. The firm stated it is currently working on biodiversity and landscaping plans, including a project to plant trees across 130 hectares in Muhos.
European nations are currently expanding data center infrastructure, with a regional investment target of $30 billion and a goal of 100 000 AI GPUs per site. Other countries, such as Denmark, have paused new connection requests due to high power demand.
