Finland's supervisory authority has ordered construction to be suspended at two Google data center sites until mandatory environmental impact assessments are completed.
In September, the U.S. technology giant announced a 13 billion euro (about 14.6 billion USD) investment in digital infrastructure in Finland over the next two years, aimed at serving its artificial intelligence ambitions. Google called the data center projects in the municipalities of Muhos, Vaala, Kajaani and Hamina its largest single investment in Europe.
However, Finland's supervisory authority (LVV), which handles environmental matters, said it had ordered Tuike Finland, the company representing Google, to "immediately, and no later than 23 October 2026, suspend all preparatory measures capable of significantly altering the environment in connection with the planned data center projects in Muhos and Kajaani."
The authority is investigating whether Tuike Finland cleared hundreds of hectares of forest in Muhos and Kajaani without carrying out the required environmental impact assessment.
Tommi Muilu, head of LVV's environment division, said trees had been felled, topsoil stripped, site roads and storage areas built, and drainage ditches altered.
Hanna Halmeenpaa, chair of the Finnish Nature Conservation Association, told AFP that "natural areas that need to be protected" had been cleared in a forest area of more than 300 hectares (741 acres).
According to LVV, Tuike Finland must provide an explanation and set out its implementation plans by 14 October. Failure to comply could expose the company to "enforcement proceedings."
Google spokesperson Sondre Ronander, in a statement sent to AFP, acknowledged the company's shortcomings and said it would "study LVV's findings and follow the authority's guidance." Ronander said Google is "pushing forward" with landscape and biodiversity plans, including planting trees on 130 hectares (53 acres) in Muhos.
The Nordic region has long been an attractive destination for data centers thanks to its cool climate, abundant low-emission electricity and stable grid. But AI developers are now facing closer scrutiny from consumers and politicians.
Last month, opposition parties called for a national permitting system to prevent power shortages and soaring energy prices. Antti Kaikkonen, leader of the Centre Party, told Reuters that while Finland welcomes data centers, the country must ensure it has enough electricity and transmission capacity to supply them. The Social Democratic Party also voiced concern about the impact on electricity demand, though it welcomed investments in data centers.
Google's agreement includes a 22-year power purchase contract, covering up to 50% of the output of Finland's Loviisa nuclear power plant, helping extend the plant's expected lifespan to 2050 instead of the previously planned closure in 2030.
