Finnish authorities have ordered Google to halt construction at two data center sites in Muhos and Kajaani. The suspension follows the company's failure to complete mandatory environmental impact assessments before commencing site preparation.
Google's representative, Tuike Finland Oy, cleared approximately 330 hectares of forest in Muhos and nearly 200 hectares in Kajaani. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation reported that these areas have been significantly degraded, with some protected zones allegedly affected.
The projects are part of a €13 billion investment plan announced by Google in September 2026, intended to span until 2029. This represents the largest single investment by the tech giant in Europe to date.
Under the regulatory order issued on October 6, 2026, Google must cease all environmentally altering activities by October 23 and submit written explanations by October 14. Failure to comply may result in enforcement actions and fines.
Google has committed to reviewing the findings and following recommendations, noting plans for landscape restoration, including planting trees on 130 hectares in Muhos. The company previously signed a 22-year agreement to purchase 50% of the electricity from the Loviisa nuclear power plant.
