Full Breakdown
Google’s Finnish Data-Center Expansion Halted Over Premature Tree-Clearance
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event: Regulator Orders Work Suspension
Finland’s Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) ordered Google’s Finnish subsidiary, Tuike Finland, to stop all preparatory activities at its Muhos and Otanmäki sites on October 6. The order cited removal of trees, stripping of topsoil, construction of access roads and alteration of drainage before the required environmental impact assessment (EIA) was completed. Tuike confirmed compliance and said work would be halted no later than October 23.
02
Background & Context: Finland’s Data-Center Appeal
Finland promotes itself as a data-center hub because of its cool climate and low-carbon electricity from nuclear, wind and hydro. Google’s Hamina facility has operated since 2011 using seawater cooling. In September the company announced a €13 billion investment to build AI-focused infrastructure, partnering with Fingrid, Business Finland and Fortum for a 22-year nuclear-plant extension.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Land cleared: ~330 ha at Muhos and just under 200 ha at Otanmäki (total ~530 ha).
- Trees removed: estimates range from 250,000 to 400,000 across both sites.
- Replanting plan: Google intends to plant trees on 130 ha at Muhos.
- Investment: €13 billion for nine data-centre buildings on a 571-ha Muhos site.
04
Official Statements & Responses
Antti Järvinen, Google’s country manager for Finland, apologized in an interview with Yle on October 13, saying, “I am extremely sorry that we are in this situation. I want to apologise for that.”
05
Criticism & Opposition
Hanna Halmeenpää, chair of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (SLL), called the clearing “pure arrogance.” Local resident Anni Ranta reported wolves entering Otanmäki after the forest loss. Conservationists argue the 130 ha replanting is insufficient to offset damage.
06
Timeline
- Sept 25: Tuike told LVV the work required no permit.
- Oct 2: Private request prompted LVV action.
- Oct 6: LVV issued the stop-work order.
- Oct 13: Järvinen issued a public apology.
- Oct 14: Tuike confirmed compliance.
- Oct 22: LVV ordered a detailed water-management plan for Muhos and identified a required Water Act permit.
- Oct 23: Deadline for halting land-altering activities.
07
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Tree-clearance figures: Fortune cites “an estimated 400,000 trees,” NY Post reports “an estimated 250,000 trees,” and Thenextweb splits the total into 250,000 at Muhos and 150,000 at Otanmäki.
- Area cleared: Sources agree on 330 ha at Muhos; Otanmäki is described as “approximately 200 ha” or “just under 200 ha.”
- EIA timeline: LVV expects assessments to be completed sometime in 2026, with no specific date set.
08
Verbatim Quotes
- “We had wolves coming into the village because all the wild animals moved out of the forest.” — Anni Ranta
- “Finland is an attractive destination for investments, and attracting further investment remains a top priority,” — Prime Minister Petteri Orpo
- “I am extremely sorry that we are in this situation. I want to apologise for that.” — Antti Järvinen
09
What’s Next
LVV has asked Google to submit a detailed water-management plan for Muhos and obtain a Water Act permit. The authority expects the EIA reports later in 2026. Until the assessments are finalized, any further land-altering work remains prohibited, and non-compliance could trigger fines or additional legal action.