Google Plans €13 Billion Data Center Investment in Finland

According to a statement released by Google on September 9, the company plans to invest at least €13 billion (approximately $15.1 billion) in artificial intelligence infrastructure in Finland over the next two years.

The investment plan includes the construction of at least three new data centers and the expansion of Google's existing data center in Hamina, southeastern Finland.

“Google is proud to deepen its commitment to Finland through one of the largest single investments in Europe,” said Ruth Porat, Google's Chief Investment Officer.

The initiative is part of Alphabet's broader effort to rapidly expand its AI computing capacity. In July, the Silicon Valley technology company raised its capital expenditure forecast for the year to as much as $205 billion as it seeks to strengthen its position in the global AI race.

Google estimates that the project will support more than 37,000 jobs across Finland during the construction phase, including approximately 16,000 positions in the construction sector. Once the facilities are operational, they are expected to support around 7,000 jobs annually across related service and local business activities.

The new data centers will be located in Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala in northern Finland. Google had previously acquired land in the region for potential data center development. The company said the locations were selected in part because of their access to existing grid infrastructure and nearby carbon-free energy sources.

Asta Sihvonen-Punkka, Chief Executive Officer of Finnish transmission system operator Fingrid Oyj, said the locations are positioned at important points within the power grid, helping support the overall operation of the electricity system while enabling cost-efficient grid development.

Google also plans to strengthen the energy infrastructure supporting the projects through new wind power agreements and a 94 MW battery energy storage system at its Kajaani site. The battery system is designed to help balance electricity demand and support grid stability.

In addition, the planned data centers will feature heat recovery capabilities, allowing excess heat generated by the facilities to be reused. According to Google, telecommunications operator Elisa Oyj and network infrastructure company Nokia Oyj will provide connectivity services for the new data centers.

The investment highlights the growing demand for high-performance computing, power infrastructure, energy storage, networking equipment, and other technologies required to support the rapid expansion of AI data centers.