Finland halts Google's AI data center construction over forest clearing concerns
Finnish regulators have ordered Google to suspend work on two planned data centers after more than 740 acres of forest were cleared for the projects.
Google's Finnish subsidiary, Tuike Finland Oy, has been directed by the Finnish Licensing and Supervision Agency (LVV) to halt construction activities at two data center sites. The facilities, located in Muhos and Kajaani, must remain idle pending the completion of environmental impact assessments, which are currently investigating allegations that the company cleared more than 740 acres of Finnish forest during project preparation.
In response to the regulatory action, a Google representative acknowledged the situation: "We understand the concerns and have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance. We acted in good faith under the Forestry Act and ran nature surveys and put in place measures to protect high-value areas. 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."