Full Breakdown
Google’s Finnish Data-centre Projects Halted Over Missing Environmental Impact Assessments
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: LVV Orders Immediate Suspension of Preparatory Work
Finland’s Supervisory Agency for Licensing and Supervision (LVV) issued an order requiring Google’s Finnish subsidiary, Tuike Finland Oy, to stop all preparatory measures that significantly alter the environment at the Muhos and Kajaani sites no later than 23 October 2026. The order follows the discovery that extensive forest clearing and site-preparation work proceeded without a completed environmental impact assessment (EIA). Tuike Finland must submit a written explanation of its intended course of action by 14 October 2026.
Background & Context: Rapid Expansion of Data-centre Capacity in Finland
In September 2026 Google announced a €13 billion investment in digital infrastructure across several northern Finnish municipalities, branding it the company’s largest single investment in Europe. The surge in demand for AI-related computing capacity has spurred a wave of new data-centre projects, putting pressure on municipalities and raising concerns about environmental oversight.
Data & Statistics
- Forest cleared: 330 ha (815 acres) in Muhos and just under 200 ha (494 acres) in Kajaani, according to LVV investigations.
- Investment value: €13 billion (? £11 billion, $15 billion).
- Planned remediation: Google plans to plant trees across 130 ha (321 acres) at Muhos as part of its biodiversity programme.
Official Statements & Responses
- The firm pledged to review LVV’s findings, follow the agency’s guidance, and continue its long-term landscaping and biodiversity plans.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Forest-clearing figures: The Guardian and LVV reports specify 330 ha cleared in Muhos, while AFP and UNN cite “more than 300 ha” (? 741 acres). Both figures describe extensive clearing but differ in precision.
- EIA status: All sources agree the assessment is unfinished and expected to conclude later in 2026, but no definitive timeline for completion is provided.
Timeline
- September 2026: Google announces €13 billion Finnish data-centre investment.
- Early October 2026 (Tuesday): LVV issues the suspension order, citing missing EIA.
- 14 October 2026 (deadline): Tuike Finland must submit a written explanation of its intended actions.
- 23 October 2026 (deadline): All preparatory measures that significantly alter the environment must be halted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In our opinion, the measures in question will change the environment and cause impacts, the identification and assessment of which are among the key objectives of the EIA procedure.” — Tommi Muilu, the head of the environmental department at LVV
- “We understand the concern caused by the situation. In this case, we did not meet the high standards we set ourselves,” — Sondre Ronander, google spokesman
- “As we continue our long-term work in the region, we are advancing our landscaping and biodiversity plans, which include tree planting across 130 hectares at Muhos,” — Sondre Ronander, google spokesman
What’s Next
LVV has warned that non-compliance could trigger enforcement proceedings and a fine. Google has indicated it will comply with the suspension and submit the required explanation by 14 October. The agency expects the pending EIA to be finalized later in 2026, after which construction may resume if the assessment confirms compliance with Finnish environmental regulations.