Kathmandu, October 7
Finnish authorities have ordered Google to halt construction work on two proposed data centres over environmental concerns, alleging that more than 300 hectares of forest were cleared during pre-construction activities.
According to Finland’s Supervisory Agency (LVV), environmental impact assessments were mandatory for the proposed data centres in Kajaani and Muhos, but pre-construction work had begun at least at one site without the assessment.
The agency has ordered activities that could cause “significant changes” to the environment to stop until October 23.
The activities included tree clearing, removal of topsoil, construction of access roads and storage areas, and alterations to drainage ditches, said Tommi Muilu, the agency’s head of environment.
Tuike Finland, the company responsible for the projects, has been asked to explain the incident and submit a plan for further action by October 14. The agency warned that enforcement action could follow if the order is not complied with.
Google acknowledged that it had failed to meet its own environmental standards but said it had acted in good faith under the Forestry Act and taken measures to protect areas of high environmental value.
Google plans to invest at least 13 billion euros in Finland in 2027 and 2028, including new data centres in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala.
