In brief
Google announced a record €13bn investment in Finland, earmarking funds for three new data centres, an expansion of an existing site and a 22‑year deal to purchase up to 50% of the output from the Loviisa nuclear power plant. The move marks the largest single European investment by the company and underscores Finland’s leadership in responsibly built AI infrastructure. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo praised the partnership, noting its long‑term economic benefits and commitment to innovation. The deal supports the growing demand from AI services like Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube, while also promoting clean‑energy projects and local biodiversity initiatives. The complex is expected to create over 37,000 construction jobs and boost Finland’s GDP by €3.6bn a year, with construction running from 2027 to 2028.
Google will buy up to half of the electricity generated by Finland’s Loviisa nuclear power plant as part of a record €13bn (€11bn; $15bn) investment in the country’s AI infrastructure.
The package will fund three new data centres, expand an existing site and support energy projects that meet rising AI demand.
“This is Google’s largest single investment in Europe and a testament to Finland’s leadership in responsibly building AI infrastructure,” the company said on Wednesday.
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo welcomed the investment, saying it would give a long‑term boost to the economy and to innovation.
Under the agreement, Google signed a 22‑year contract with Finnish utility Fortum to purchase up to 50% of the output from the Loviisa plant, which now supplies about 10% of Finland’s electricity.
Earlier this week, TikTok announced a $1bn investment to build a new data centre in Kouvola, citing Finland’s clean‑energy mix and skilled tech talent.
Finland has become a hub for data centres because its cool climate reduces cooling costs and its grid offers reliable, low‑carbon power.
The investment is expected to create more than 37,000 jobs during construction and increase Finland’s GDP by €3.6bn a year, Google says. Construction will take place in 2027 and 2028.
Google will build new data centres in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala, while expanding a former paper mill in Hamina.
The infrastructure will support products such as AI chatbot Gemini and services like Search, Maps and YouTube.
Google added that the commitment will fund clean‑energy projects and community funds for biodiversity, education, research and workforce development.
Alphabet’s parent company raised global spending plans to $205bn to expand AI‑related computing capacity, and the Loviisa deal gives the plant long‑term financial certainty.
Fortum said Google’s investment will support a programme to extend the nuclear station’s life and grow its capacity.
