Finland Halts Work at Google's Muhos and Kajaani Data Centers

Finland's Licensing and Supervision Agency (LVV) ordered Tuike Finland Oy, Google's local subsidiary, to suspend land-altering work at two planned data center sites, Muhos in North Ostrobothnia and Kajaani in Kainuu, until environmental impact assessments are complete. Around 330 hectares had already been cleared at Muhos and just under 200 hectares at Kajaani, CNBC reported.

The order covers tree removal, excavation, blasting, crushing, soil removal, drainage work and the construction of site roads and storage areas. Tuike must stop the specified work immediately and no later than 23 October, and submit a written explanation by October 14.

A Google spokesperson told CNBC: "We understand the concerns and have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance." The company "acted in good faith under the Forestry Act, and ran nature surveys and put in place measures to protect high-value areas," the spokesperson said, adding that Google would follow LVV's guidance.

The sites are part of Google's €13 billion Finnish buildout, the company's largest single investment in Europe, with three new data centers planned in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala alongside an expansion at Hamina. If Tuike does not comply, LVV said it would consider enforcement proceedings and a possible fine.