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Google is investing $14 billion in Finnish data center campuses with emphasis on renewable energy integration and green infrastructure.

Major hyperscaler capex in Nordic region with renewable power anchors long-term AI capacity in EU; demonstrates greenfield momentum for AI infrastructure.
Trade pressSlicast · October 3, 2026 at 14:13 UTC · US · Source: Sustainability Magazine
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Google will invest at least €13bn (approximately US$14.6bn) in Finnish digital infrastructure between 2027 and 2028, expanding its European operations after more than 15 years in the country.

The investment spans data centre construction and related infrastructure across four locations: Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala.

Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, says: "Google is proud to deepen our roots in Finland with the company's largest single investment in Europe, building on more than 15 years of sustained investment in Finland. This investment underscores Google's commitment to grow our presence responsibly, pairing the expansion of our technical infrastructure with new energy capacity, grid enhancements and energy affordability initiatives."

**Clean energy and grid strengthening**

Google has partnered to add new energy capacity and strengthen grid infrastructure in Finland, measures designed to accompany the data centre expansion while maintaining affordable electricity prices for consumers. The partnerships support long-term grid resilience and decarbonisation targets, with Google framing the approach as a blueprint for combining infrastructure growth with energy system stability.

Google's initiatives in Finland include:

- A partnership with Fingrid and Business Finland targeting northern Finland for new data centres to utilise existing grid infrastructure

- A 22-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Fortum extending the operational life of the Loviisa nuclear power plant, which supplies 10% of Finland's electricity

- A memorandum of understanding with Fortum to explore commercial models for potential new nuclear reactors at the Loviisa site

- Additional onshore wind PPAs with Valorem and Suomen Hyötytuuli, bringing 629 MW of new-to-the-grid capacity

- A newly contracted 94 MW battery storage system near the Kajaani site by late 2027

Finland's energy network will receive infrastructure upgrades through these partnerships. The investments create what Google describes as a blueprint for expansion without compromising grid reliability.

**Seawater cooling and heat recovery**

Google established its first Finnish data centre in 2009 in Hamina, converting a former paper mill to utilise seawater cooling from the Baltic. The Hamina site recovers waste heat for the district heating network, supplying 80% of annual heat requirements for homes and buildings connected to the system.

The operation now involves more than 600 Finnish suppliers across construction, network infrastructure and daily operations, generating what Google describes as a multiplier effect for local economic activity. Since operations began, Google has supported more than 40 social and community organisations in the region through programmes focused on workforce development, education and research.

**Economic output during construction**

The construction phase could contribute an annual average of €3.6bn (approximately US$4.05bn) to Finland's GDP, according to Google, with the project expected to support more than 37,000 jobs across the country.

The data centres will provide infrastructure for Google services including Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube, supporting European businesses and consumers. Google positions the investment as advancing Finland's digital transition and AI development capacity, with infrastructure serving broader European digital requirements.

Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, says: "Finland is an attractive destination for investments, and attracting further investment remains a top priority. Google's decision is a clear testament to our strengths. The value of the data economy extends far beyond direct investment into spurring innovation, research and development."

Ruth Porat describes the investment as supporting long-term economic opportunity in Finland and across Europe through programmes focused on advancing workforce development, education and research.

**Companies supplied by Google in Hamina**

**DNA:** As one of Finland's leading telecommunications providers, DNA relies on Google's advanced cloud infrastructure to enhance its digital services. The continued expansion of the Hamina cloud region enables DNA to access high-performance, low-latency networking capabilities, empowering the company to build and scale its own AI-powered solutions while strengthening its core telecom offerings across the nation.

**Elisa:** Elisa, a market-leading Finnish telecommunications and digital services company, partners with Google Cloud to drive operational efficiency and innovation. Google's infrastructure investments in Finland provide Elisa with the reliable computing power necessary to support its digital transition, scale AI applications and deliver connectivity to its widespread customer base.

**Nokia:** A global leader in B2B technology and network solutions, Nokia leverages Google's robust digital infrastructure to accelerate its AI and cloud innovations. Google's investment in the Finnish cloud region supplies the essential building blocks for Nokia's digital readiness, allowing the company to develop scalable AI-powered solutions that enhance network security, speed and overall performance globally.

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Google is investing $14 billion in Finnish… · Slicast