Google will invest at least €13 billion in Finland over the next two years, funding four data centre projects and energy infrastructure as the US technology group expands its capacity for artificial intelligence and cloud services.
The programme represents Google's largest single investment in Europe and ranks among the largest investments announced in Finnish industrial history.
The company will expand its existing data centre in Hamina and build three new facilities in Kajaani, Vaala and Muhos. Google has operated in Finland since 2009 and has invested €4.5 billion in its Hamina operation over the past 15 years.
Google Finland country manager Antti Järvinen said the new programme was the company's largest investment in Europe and the largest single investment in Finland's history.
Google estimates that the construction phase will support more than 37,000 jobs across Finland when contractors, suppliers and other partners are included.
Google estimates the first phase of construction in 2027 and 2028 will add an average of €3.6 billion a year to Finland's gross domestic product. Once the four centres are operating, Google expects them to support about 7,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
The investment also links Google's expansion to new electricity agreements.
Fortum and Google have signed a 22-year power purchase agreement covering up to half of the output from Fortum's Loviisa nuclear power plant. The companies have also signed a letter of intent to examine the development of new nuclear power capacity.
Fortum said the long-term agreement supports continued operation of the Loviisa plant until 2050.
"Finland has a unique opportunity to build the next wave of sustainable growth and industrialisation on its low-carbon and reliable electricity system," Fortum chief executive Markus Rauramo said in the company's statement.
A 94-megawatt battery system is also planned near Google's operations in the Kajaani region, with operations scheduled to start in late 2027. The battery will provide balancing capacity for the Finnish electricity system.
Google global investment chief Ruth Porat said the company intends to add electricity generation rather than rely only on existing supply. Its energy plans cover nuclear power, wind generation and battery storage.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the investment would create jobs and tax revenue for municipalities and central government.
"This means jobs, lots of jobs for Finns across Finland," Orpo said at Wednesday's announcement in Helsinki.
Orpo said Finland competes with other countries for data centre projects and cited its legal system, education, workforce, infrastructure and climate among factors behind the investment.
Google will also establish a €31 million fund for communities affected by its expansion. The company said the money will support projects involving education, research, workforce development and local environmental work.
The new Finnish computing capacity will support services including Gemini, Google Search, Maps, YouTube and cloud products.
HT
