Finland Orders Google Unit to Stop AI Data Center Work
Finland's LVV ordered Google subsidiary Tuike Finland Oy to halt work on AI data centers in Muhos and Kajaani until environmental impact assessments are completed.
Finland's Licensing and Supervision Agency (LVV) ordered Google subsidiary Tuike Finland Oy to halt construction on two AI data centers in Muhos and Kajaani, according to tomshardware.com. The stop-work order remains in effect until environmental impact assessments are completed.
The projects are under investigation for allegedly clearing over 740 acres of Finnish forest. The LVV ordered a halt to tree and topsoil removal, excavation, quarrying, crushing, soil mass transfers, ditching, and road and storage construction.
The subsidiary may still proceed with planning, measurement, soil surveys, and other minimal-impact activities.
Google stated it acted in good faith under the Forestry Act and is advancing landscaping and biodiversity plans, including tree planting across 130 hectares at Muhos.
Background
Finland has been an attractive location for data centers due to available land and electricity. Europe has a $30 billion investment target of 100,000 AI GPUs per site to catch up in AI infrastructure.
Quick answers
Why did Finland order Google to stop data center construction?
The Licensing and Supervision Agency (LVV) ordered the halt until environmental impact assessments are completed, following allegations that over 740 acres of Finnish forest were cleared.
What activities are halted at the Muhos and Kajaani sites?
The LVV ordered a halt to tree and topsoil removal, excavation, quarrying, crushing, soil mass transfers, ditching, and road and storage construction.
What did Google say about the stop-work order?
Google stated it acted in good faith under the Forestry Act and is advancing landscaping and biodiversity plans, including tree planting across 130 hectares at Muhos.