Finnish authorities ordered Google to suspend construction work at two planned data center sites on Tuesday after the technology giant cleared more than 300 hectares of forest without completing mandatory environmental impact assessments.
The Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV) directed Tuike Finland, Google's subsidiary handling the projects, to halt all preparatory measures that would significantly alter the environment at sites in Muhos and Kajaani by October 23, 2026. The company must provide an explanation and outline how it intends to proceed by October 14, or face potential enforcement proceedings.
The order comes less than a month after Google announced a €13 billion ($15 billion) investment in Finland over 2027 and 2028, which the company described as its largest single investment in Europe. The plans included new data centers in Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala, alongside upgrades to its existing facility in Hamina.
According to Tommi Muilu, head of LVV's environment department, work at the sites included removing trees and topsoil, constructing site roads and storage areas, and altering ditches. Under Finnish law, converting more than 200 hectares requires an environmental assessment before clearing begins. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation raised concerns in September after visiting the Muhos site, where chair Hanna Halmeenpaa said "nature sites which should be preserved" had been logged across an area equivalent to approximately 420 football fields.
Google spokesman Sondre Ronander acknowledged the company's shortcomings in a statement. "We understand the concerns and have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance," he said, adding that Google had "acted in good faith under the Forestry Act" and conducted nature surveys. The company said it plans to replant trees across 130 hectares at Muhos as part of its biodiversity initiatives.
Finland's Environment and Climate Minister Sari Multala told newspaper Helsingin Sanomat that the projects would likely face delays. "This is a serious matter: all companies operating in Finland must comply with the law. In this case, that has not happened," she said.
Google's Finland investment includes a 22-year power purchasing agreement with Finnish energy company Fortum covering up to half the capacity of the Loviisa nuclear power plant, helping extend the plant's operations until 2050. The company said the construction phase would support more than 37,000 jobs and contribute an average of €3.6 billion annually to Finland's economy. Finland has attracted growing interest for data centers due to its cool climate and low-carbon electricity, which can reduce energy requirements for cooling server-filled facilities.
