Google’s Finnish Data-Center Project Stalls Amid Environmental Backlash

Google’s subsidiary Tuike Finland was ordered by Finland’s Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) to stop preparatory work at two AI-data-center sites—Muhos in northern Finland and the village of Otanmäki about 100 km southeast—after the company cleared large tracts of forest without completing mandatory environmental impact assessments. The LVV’s order follows reports that drainage ditches were dug and topsoil removed before the required notifications were filed.

Wolves roam into Finnish villages after Google destroys 1,300 acres of forest for AI data centers — forest where wolf packs used to live is now an expanse of mud

In September, Google announced a €13 billion ($15 billion) investment in Finnish digital infrastructure, describing the project as its largest single investment in Europe and a model for “responsibly building AI infrastructure.” The plan secured a 22-year power purchase agreement with Fortum for up to half the output of the Loviisa nuclear plant, which supplies roughly 10 percent of Finland’s electricity.

Newsweek

• Forest cleared: roughly 330 ha at Muhos and an additional 150 000 trees at Otanmäki, about 400 000 trees total.

The Guardian

• Investment: €13 billion for the AI-infrastructure project.

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• Energy contract: up to 50 percent of the Loviisa plant’s output for 22 years.

Newsweek

• Replanting pledge: Google will plant trees across 130 ha at Muhos while the halt remains in effect.

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A Google spokesperson said the firm has operated in Finland for 15 years, complies with zoning, environmental, health and safety requirements, and stopped work after the LVV letters on October 6. The spokesperson added that Google has submitted a formal response and will maintain dialogue with authorities. Finland’s prime minister, Petteri Orpo, called the deal a “top priority” while acknowledging public outcry. The LVV’s order remains in force pending a final verdict on the assessments.

Newsweek

Ecologist Mari Annala of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (SLL) described the cleared area as a “vast gaping wound of earth” and warned that brown runoff is entering the Oulujoki River. Hanna Halmeenpää, SLL board chair, said the clearings “broke the system’s trust.” University of Helsinki professor Jussi Kangasharju noted limited local jobs and minimal national benefits. Local resident Anni Ranta reported wolves entering the village after the forest loss, raising safety concerns.

Wolves roam into Finnish villages after Google destroys 1,300 acres of forest for AI data centers — forest where wolf packs used to live is now an expanse of mud

• October 6 – LVV letters received; Google halted preparatory works at Muhos and Kajaani (the municipality containing Otanmäki) and submitted a formal response.

The Guardian

• “We had wolves coming into the village because all the wild animals moved out of the forest,” — Anni Ranta

The Guardian

• “Early public consultation is increasingly a very important part of the process,” — Devi Thomas

Newsweek

• “It doesn’t end. It goes on and on,” — Mari Annala

The Guardian

Google awaits the LVV’s final verdict on the environmental impact assessments before resuming construction. The company has pledged to plant trees on 130 ha at Muhos and to continue dialogue with Finnish authorities and local organizations. The outcome will influence Finland’s broader strategy for attracting AI-related infrastructure while balancing environmental protection and community concerns.

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