Google plans €13 billion Finland data centre investment

Google will spend at least €13 billion on data centres and digital infrastructure in Finland, marking its largest single investment in Europe. The funding will cover sites and supporting infrastructure across four municipalities, alongside clean energy projects and money for biodiversity, education, research and workforce development. Facilities in Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala will support Google services including Gemini.

Construction is expected across 2027 and 2028. Google estimates the programme will add €3.6 billion a year to Finland’s GDP and support more than 37,000 jobs, including roughly 16,000 in construction. After the buildout, the company projects the sites will sustain around 7,000 jobs annually across technical, facility, supplier and local service roles.

Finland’s cold climate, relatively cheap and stable power from nuclear plants, wind and hydro have made it attractive for large data centres that generate significant heat and require heavy electricity use. Google has operated in the country since 2009, when it bought a disused paper mill in Hamina and converted it. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the decision showed Finland’s strengths and could spur innovation, research and development.