Google’s planned data centers in Finland are under investigation after around 300 hectares of forest were reportedly cleared before environmental assessments were completed. Finland’s Licensing and Supervision Agency has requested reports from local authorities and project manager Tuike Finland on permits and forestry work at the Muhos and Kajaani sites.
"The municipality of Muhos and the city of Kajaani have approved the local plans. In both municipalities, the local plans have been appealed to the administrative court, which is why a building ban is in force in the areas. The building ban in question requires a landscape work permit for landscape-changing measures, such as felling trees and landscape-changing earthworks, starting from the decision to approve the local plan. The municipal building control authority is responsible for monitoring the legality of the measures with regard to the Construction Act."
LVV said its environmental impact assessment conclusion is a key document in processing the projects’ required permits. Google denied illegal logging, saying the work on its land complied with Finland’s Forestry Act. The company also said proceeds from selective logging would be donated to local projects.
Google said it had conducted nature surveys to protect valuable habitats during forestry work. However, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation and the Safety and Chemicals Agency have called for construction to stop until the environmental impact assessment is completed. In September 2026, Google announced plans to invest €13 billion ($15.13bn) in Finnish digital infrastructure in 2027 and 2028. Google has operated a data center in Hamina since acquiring a former paper mill in 2009. It later acquired 1,400 hectares in Kajaani and Muhos in 2024, followed by 900 hectares in Vaala in February 2026 for potential data center development.
