Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 6 hrs ago
Google’s Finland data center plans face scrutiny after forest clearing
Google cleared about 250,000 trees from 330 hectares of forest near Muhos in northern Finland for a planned data center.
The site is part of a €13 billion AI infrastructure project that Google announced as its largest single investment in Europe.
Environmental experts estimate another 150,000 trees were felled at a second site in Otanmäki, though the figure is an estimate.
Finnish authorities ordered work at both sites to stop until required environmental impact assessments are completed.
Google’s Finland country manager apologized for the clearings and said the company believed it was following the law.
Residents have raised concerns about muddy water reaching a stream linked to the Oulujoki River, while the project has also prompted questions about local environmental effects and household energy costs.
The controversy could shape debate as Finland prepares for elections in April.
Finnish authorities ordered Google’s subsidiary to stop work at planned data center sites in Muhos and Otanmäki until environmental impact assessments are completed.
About 250,000 trees were cleared at the Muhos site, and an environmental expert estimates another 150,000 were felled at Otanmäki.
The sites are part of Google’s €13 billion investment in AI infrastructure in Finland.
Residents have raised concerns about muddy runoff reaching waterways, while the clearances have prompted wider debate about the environmental effects of data center development.
Google’s Finland country manager apologized for the clearings, saying the company had believed it was acting within the rules.
- Who
- Google’s subsidiary Tuike Finland, Finnish authorities, and residents and environmental advocates concerned about the clearances.
- What
- Authorities ordered work halted at two planned data center sites pending environmental impact assessments. About 250,000 trees were cleared at Muhos, with an estimated 150,000 more at Otanmäki.
- When
- The stop-work order was issued earlier in October 2026. Google’s country manager apologized the previous week.
- Where
- Muhos and Otanmäki, Finland.
- Why
- The sites are part of Google’s AI infrastructure expansion. Authorities said the necessary environmental impact assessments had not been completed before the land was cleared.
Environmental advocates and concerned residents
Project rationale
Google described its investment as an expansion of AI infrastructure and promoted its economic and environmental commitments.
Environmental advocates and concerned residents
Critics say the forest clearances and ground disturbance harm the natural environment and raise concerns about runoff into waterways.
Compliance
Google’s Finland country manager said the company acted on its best understanding of the law at the time.
Environmental advocates and concerned residents
Finnish authorities ordered work stopped after required environmental impact assessments had not been completed before the clearances.
Google announced its €13 billion investment in AI infrastructure in Finland.
Finnish authorities ordered Google’s subsidiary to temporarily stop work at the Muhos and Otanmäki sites pending environmental impact assessments.
Google’s Finland country manager apologized for the forest clearings.
The Guardian reported that an estimated 250,000 trees had been felled at Muhos and an environmental expert estimated 150,000 more had been felled at Otanmäki.
- Muhos clearance
- About 250,000 trees across 330 hectares
- Otanmäki clearance
- An estimated 150,000 trees
- Google investment
- €13 billion
- Sites
- Muhos and Otanmäki, Finland
- Stop-work authority
- Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV)
3 sources
What people are saying
It doesn’t end. It goes on and on.
on the best understanding we had of the legislation at the time
top priority
the value of the data economy extends far beyond direct investment