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SearchThe Finnish supervisory authority demands a halt to activities that may alter the environment in Muhos and Kajaani while environmental assessments are conducted. The investigation examines a potential logging of over 300 hectares of forest in Muhos without the required prior assessment.
The Finnish supervisory authority LVV has ordered the suspension of activities that may significantly modify the environment in two Google data center projects, in Muhos and Kajaani, until the corresponding environmental impact assessments are completed. The instruction sets October 23, 2026, as the deadline to stop these works; it does not, in itself, constitute the definitive cancellation of the projects.
The investigation focuses on whether Tuike Finland, the company representing Google, logged more than 300 hectares of forest in Muhos without previously carrying out the mandatory environmental assessment. The LVV also pointed to works such as the removal of the topsoil layer, the construction of roads and storage areas, and the modification of ditches.
The authority asked Tuike Finland to submit, before October 14, an explanation and details on how it intends to proceed. If the company does not respond to the request, the LVV indicated that it could initiate enforcement proceedings. The order affects preparatory measures susceptible to significantly altering the environment while assessments are carried out; available information does not determine when works could resume.
Sondre Ronander, a Google spokesperson, acknowledged that the company did not meet its own standards and said it will study the authority's conclusions and follow its instructions. He also stated that Google acted in good faith, that it carried out environmental studies, and that it continues working on landscaping and biodiversity plans, including the planting of trees on 130 hectares in Muhos. These statements belong to the company and do not replace the assessments or the authority's decision.
Finnish Minister of the Environment and Climate, Sari Multala, characterized the case as serious and pointed out that the projects will likely suffer delays due to issues with the assessments. Her statements do not equate to a decision to cancel the facilities.
The centers are part of the 13 billion euro investment that Google announced in Finland for digital infrastructure over the next two years, intended to support its artificial intelligence plans. The halt of certain activities in Muhos and Kajaani introduces an environmental and regulatory requirement into these projects, but available sources do not indicate that the complete investment has been suspended.
The case underscores that, in Finland, activities with potential environmental effects may be subject to assessment and supervision before continuing. For now, the specific scope of the delays will depend on the assessment process and the LVV's instructions.
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