Finnish authorities have temporarily halted preparatory work at two Finland Google data centres in Muhos and Kajaani over extensive forest clearance, raising environmental concerns and potentially delaying AI infrastructure expansion.
HELSINKI: Finnish authorities have ordered a halt to environmentally damaging work at two Finland Google data centres after extensive forest clearance raised concerns about the company’s compliance with environmental assessment requirements.
Finland’s Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) issued the directive on October 6, 2026, targeting Google’s planned facilities in Muhos and Kajaani.
The decision follows reports that Google’s subsidiary, Tuike Finland, cleared more than 300 hectares of forest, equivalent to approximately 740 acres, at its Muhos development site.
The regulator wants the company to complete mandatory environmental impact assessments before continuing activities that significantly change the surrounding landscape.
Why did Finland stop Google’s data centre work?
The Finnish regulator identified extensive preparatory activities at the proposed locations before the completion of required environmental assessments.
These activities included removing trees and topsoil, constructing access roads, preparing storage areas and modifying drainage systems.
Authorities argue that such work can significantly alter natural environments and must undergo appropriate environmental scrutiny.
The regulator instructed Tuike Finland to suspend these activities immediately and no later than October 23, 2026.
The suspension will remain in effect until the environmental assessment procedures are complete.
How much forest has Google cleared?
Reports indicate that preparatory work affected approximately 330 hectares in Muhos and nearly 200 hectares in Kajaani.
The Muhos clearance alone covers more than 800 acres, exceeding the widely reported 740-acre figure.
The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation has raised concerns about habitat destruction and the potential loss of environmentally valuable forest areas.
Environmental groups argue that large technology projects should complete proper assessments before significantly changing natural landscapes.
What has Google said about the suspension?
Google acknowledged shortcomings in its handling of the development.
The company said it had acted in good faith and would follow the regulator’s guidance.
Google also outlined plans to support biodiversity restoration, including planting trees across approximately 130 hectares in Muhos.
The company must explain its intended response to the regulator by October 14.
Will Google’s €13 billion AI investment continue?
The affected Finland Google data centres form part of Google’s planned €13 billion investment in Finnish digital infrastructure.
Google intends to expand its capacity to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing services.
The authority’s directive targets environmentally significant preparatory work rather than permanently cancelling the wider investment.
Planning, measurements and other activities with minimal environmental impact may continue.
However, the environmental reviews could delay the projects’ construction schedules.
