2 hrs ago
Finland Halts Work at Google Data Centre Sites
Google wants to build more places in Finland that hold computers used for artificial intelligence.
Before building, companies may need to study how their plans could affect nature.
Finnish authorities say work such as cutting trees and changing land may have happened before the required studies were completed.
They have ordered work to stop at two planned sites while they look into the matter.
Google says it understands the concerns and will follow the authorities’ guidance.
The company also says it plans to plant trees at one site.
Finland’s environment minister said the issue could delay the projects.
The order does not cancel Google’s wider investment in Finland.
Finland’s Supervisory Agency ordered Tuike Finland to stop preparatory work at planned data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani.
The agency is investigating whether forest was cleared and other site work carried out without required environmental impact assessments.
Tuike Finland was asked to explain the work and describe next steps by 14 October; the suspension was ordered by 23 October.
Google acknowledged that the projects fell short of its standards, said it would follow the agency’s guidance, and cited planned tree planting across 130 hectares at Muhos.
Google’s announced €13 billion investment in Finnish digital infrastructure remains in place, though Finland’s environment minister said assessment issues would likely delay projects.
- Who
- The Finnish Supervisory Agency ordered Tuike Finland, a company representing Google, to halt preparatory work.
- What
- Work was suspended at two planned data centre sites pending investigation into whether required environmental impact assessments were completed.
- Where
- Muhos and Kajaani, Finland.
- When
- The agency set 14 October for Tuike Finland to respond and ordered work to stop by 23 October; the article does not state the year.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating whether forest clearance and other preparatory work took place without mandatory environmental impact assessments.
Environmental concerns
Google’s response
Whether preparatory work complied with environmental requirements
Environmental concerns
The Finnish Supervisory Agency is investigating whether forest clearance and other site work occurred without required environmental impact assessments. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation raised concerns about the scale of clearance and damage to nature sites.
Google’s response
Google said it acted in good faith, carried out environmental surveys and other measures, acknowledged falling short of its own standards, and would study the agency’s findings and follow its guidance.
Project schedule
Environmental concerns
Environment Minister Sari Multala said the environmental assessment problems would likely delay the projects.
Google’s response
Google said it would continue its long-term work in the region and advance landscaping and biodiversity plans; the article does not report a revised schedule from Google.
Key facts
- Company investment
- Google announced a €13 billion investment, about $15 billion, in Finnish digital infrastructure over two years.
- Sites affected
- Planned data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani.
- Agency
- Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV).
- Response deadline
- Tuike Finland was asked to explain the work and its plans by 14 October.
- Work suspension deadline
- Preparatory work was to stop by 23 October.
- Muhos tree planting
- Google said its biodiversity plans include tree planting across 130 hectares at Muhos.
- Reported clearance
- The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation’s chair said more than 300 hectares had been deforested in the area.
Quotes
Hanna Halmeenpaa
Chair of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation
“We understand the concerns and have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance.”
livemint.com
“We will study the LVV's findings and follow their guidance.”
livemint.com
Sources
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