Google announces its biggest-ever European data-center investment in Finland.

Google is set to invest at least €13 billion in digital infrastructure in Finland over 2027–2028, marking the company's largest single investment in Europe. The investment will establish new data centers and supporting infrastructure across Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala, alongside partnerships focused on clean energy, electricity-grid resilience, biodiversity, education and workforce development.

The expansion builds on more than 15 years of operations in Finland. Google established its Hamina data center in 2009 after acquiring and converting a former paper mill. The site has since supported more than 40 social and community organizations and pioneered initiatives including seawater-based cooling and heat recovery for Hamina's district heating network.

The new infrastructure will power Google's services—including Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube—while providing computing infrastructure for Finnish and European AI development. Google's Hamina site is part of the company's global network of 43 cloud regions, enabling Finnish organizations including Nokia, Elisa and the City of Hamina to run high-performance, low-latency services and AI applications.

During the initial 2027–2028 construction phase, the investment is expected to contribute an average of €3.6 billion annually to Finland's GDP and support more than 37,000 jobs nationwide. Around 16,000 of those positions are expected to be in construction, while once operational, the facilities are projected to support approximately 7,000 jobs annually across Google, suppliers and local services.

Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, said: "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. Deepening our collaboration with Google will deliver lasting benefits for both parties."

A significant energy component underlies the investment. Google is partnering with Fingrid and Business Finland to identify infrastructure locations where data centers can connect to the grid efficiently. Locating facilities in northern Finland enables the company to utilize existing grid capacity close to carbon-free energy sources, potentially reducing new grid investment needs.

Google has signed a 22-year power purchase agreement with Fortum connected to the life extension programme for the Loviisa nuclear power plant, which currently supplies approximately 10% of Finland's electricity and employs roughly 580 people. Google and Fortum will additionally explore cooperation around new flexibility and power-generation capacity, including potential new nuclear reactors at Loviisa.

Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment of Finland, commented: "These investments are very welcome in Finland and demonstrate that it is possible to invest in AI infrastructure in a way that benefits both local communities and the broader energy system. This long-term approach and commitment are exactly what we need to generate value for both investors and Finnish society. A long-term agreement with an energy company helps ensure that new electricity generation capacity is developed to meet growing demand."

Google will also enter additional onshore wind power purchase agreements with Valorem and Suomen Hyötytuuli, bringing the total new-to-the-grid onshore wind capacity supported by Google in Finland to 629 MW. The company is working with partners to enable its wind portfolio to participate in Fingrid's ancillary markets and contribute to grid balancing.

Near the Kajaani site, a 94 MW battery energy storage system is planned to connect to Finland's grid, with operations expected to begin in late 2027. The system will provide additional flexibility during periods of high demand, including cold and low-wind conditions.

Ilari Soosalu, Mayor of Hamina, stated: "Our partnership with Google is a true success story that began back in 2009. The collaboration has been absolutely great and exceptionally smooth, and we are very happy to see it deepening here in Hamina. The expansion of data center operations will further strengthen the economy and vitality of both the city and the entire region, bringing new opportunities and permanent jobs. We are truly looking forward to our shared future."

Joni Partanen, Mayor of Kajaani, emphasized that Google's investment in battery storage, nature conservation and community partnerships reinforces the region's position in sustainable digital infrastructure and the data economy: "This decision underscores our region's position as an emerging leader in sustainable digital infrastructure and the data economy. We are excited to build a lasting partnership that delivers real value for our community and supports a greener digital future."

The investment will also expand Google's presence in Muhos and Vaala. Kimmo Hinno, Town Manager of Muhos, said: "This is a landmark moment for the Muhos municipality. The Google project not only represents a significant investment but also strengthens our position as a location for future growth, innovation, and sustainable development."

Minna Kärkkäinen, Mayor of Vaala, added: "Google's investment decision is very important for the Municipality of Vaala. It will help diversify local businesses and services. Vaala is located at a key point in Finland's main electricity grid, which makes it an attractive location for industry and energy projects. At the same time, Vaala is a tourism municipality on the shores of Lake Oulujärvi, within a UNESCO Global Geopark area. Cooperation with Google has been excellent, with respect for the area's unique features and natural values."

Google plans to invest €31 million over four years in community partnerships across Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala. The funding will support education and economic growth initiatives, with €10 million earmarked specifically for research and innovation. The company will also support municipal energy projects, including solar and heat-pump installations for low-income households, energy-efficiency upgrades in public buildings, improved lighting for recreational trails and backup-power solutions for essential municipal services. New data centers will incorporate readiness for heat recovery into their design.

Nature restoration is central to the programme. Google plans to restore former forestry land adjacent to its data center sites through native forest regeneration, peatland and wetland restoration, nature conservation and ecological corridors. Community projects will include recreational trails, public saunas and fishing and swimming piers.

On workforce development, Google's AI Opportunity Fund will support programmes designed to equip more than 4,400 workers across Finland with AI skills through local partners including Oamk, Tieke and Xamk. Google will also work with EKAMI on a programme to train up to 100 Finnish students over one year for data center careers.

Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, stated: "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. At the community level, Google is proud to support programmes focused on advancing workforce development, education, and research – helping to unlock long-term economic opportunity both in Finland and across the broader European economy."

For Fortum, the long-term agreement with Google provides greater visibility for investment in low-carbon generation and the future of the Loviisa plant, enabling Finland to turn its decarbonized, reliable electricity system and robust industrial infrastructure into a foundation for the next wave of sustainable industrial growth.