Regulatory order and environmental investigation

On 6 October 2026, the Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV) instructed Tuike Finland, the entity representing Google, to suspend site preparation across two data centre locations in Muhos and Kajaani. The authority demanded that Tuike Finland halt all preparatory measures that would significantly alter the environment by 23 October 2026 at the latest. The formal suspension remains in effect until compulsory environmental impact assessments are concluded. Regulators opened the investigation to determine whether extensive ground clearance was carried out unlawfully prior to mandatory environmental evaluations. Tuike Finland must submit an official explanation and outline its intended next steps by 14 October 2026, or face coercive enforcement proceedings and potential financial penalties.

Extent of deforestation and site clearing

LVV environment department head Tommi Muilu detailed that project crews cleared woodland, stripped topsoil, built access roads, created storage depots, altered ditches, and changed stormwater management systems. Regional reporting indicated that ground clearing affected approximately 330 hectares in Muhos and nearly 200 hectares in Kajaani. During on-site visits to Muhos, heavy excavators operated adjacent to residential farmland where mature forest tracts had already disappeared. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation had previously called for work to be halted after accusing the developer in mid-September of cutting down protected natural habitats.

Nature sites which should be preserved have been felled.

Muilu noted that premature physical changes diminish the preventive function of environmental impact assessments, limiting the ability to assess project alternatives or prevent long-term ecological damage.

Corporate response and mitigation commitments

Google addressed the regulatory order by admitting shortcomings in its project management and agreeing to comply with Finnish authorities. Spokesperson Sondre Ronander confirmed that the company would examine the agency's findings and follow all recommendations issued by environmental regulators.

We understand the concerns and have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance.

Google stated that it acted in good faith under the Forestry Act, having conducted preliminary nature surveys and established protections for high-value ecological zones. The company is advancing site landscaping plans that include planting trees across 130 hectares at the Muhos location.

Nordic digital infrastructure expansion

The two halted locations form part of Google's 13 billion euro digital infrastructure investment in Finland, announced in September 2026 to support artificial intelligence infrastructure over a two-year timeline. Characterised by the company as its largest single European capital project, the development program also encompasses facilities in Vaala and Hamina, where Google already operates an active server hub. Tech companies have invested heavily in Finland due to cool ambient temperatures, stable grids, and low-carbon electricity from nuclear, hydro, and wind energy. Rising electricity demands from data centres have prompted Finnish political opposition to call for a national permit system to manage power transmission and prevent increases in consumer electricity prices.