Finland’s supervisory authority has ordered work that could significantly affect the environment to stop by October 23 at planned Google data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani while an impact assessment is pending.
Finland’s supervisory authority has ordered a halt by October 23 to preparatory measures that could significantly affect the environment at planned Google data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani. Franceinfo, citing AFP, reported that the authority is assessing the projects’ environmental impact.
The agency is investigating Tuike Finland, which represents Google in the project. It suspects the company cleared more than 300 hectares of forest in Muhos before carrying out a mandatory environmental impact assessment. This is an allegation under investigation, not a final finding. The authority said it may pursue coercive measures if the order is not followed.
Google spokesperson Sondre Ronander told AFP that the company understood the concerns and acknowledged that it had fallen short of its own high standards in this case. He said Google would study the authority’s findings and follow its recommendations.
The projects are part of Google’s announced 13-billion-euro investment in Finland, which the company links to the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The order covers preparatory measures with a potential significant environmental impact; further steps will depend on the assessment and the parties’ actions.