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Finland orders halt to work on Google data centres over forest clearance concerns
Overview
Finnish authorities have suspended construction work on two planned Google data centres in Muhos and Kajaani following concerns regarding the clearance of over 300 hectares of forest without a mandatory environmental impact assessment.
Key points
- The Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV) ordered work that significantly alters the environment to be suspended by 23 October.
- The sites are part of Google's €13bn investment in Finland, announced in September as its largest single investment in Europe.
- Preparatory work included removing trees and topsoil, building site roads, and altering ditches.
- Tuike Finland, the company behind the projects, must provide an explanation and plan by 14 October or face enforcement proceedings.
- Google stated it had 'fallen short of our own high standards' but noted it acted in good faith under the Forestry Act and will follow agency guidance.