Google is planning to invest at least €13 billion ($15.1 billion) in Finland over the next two years as it expands its artificial intelligence infrastructure in Europe. The investment will be Google’s largest-ever investment in Europe and will focus on data centres, clean energy and power infrastructure.
Google to Build Three AI Data Centres
As part of the investment, Google plans to develop three new data centres in northern Finland. The region is attractive because of its cold climate, which can help reduce the energy needed to cool large computer servers.
AI data centres consume huge amounts of electricity and require powerful cooling systems. Finland’s cold weather and reliable electricity grid make the country an attractive location for companies looking to expand their AI operations.
The investment is expected to support Google services such as Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube, while also strengthening the company’s European AI infrastructure.
Google Signs Nuclear Power Deal
Google’s Finland expansion also includes a major nuclear energy agreement. The company has signed a 22-year power purchase agreement with Fortum for up to 50% of the electricity output from one of Finland’s nuclear power plants.
Google described the agreement as its first nuclear energy deal outside the United States.
The deal is designed to provide Google with a stable supply of low-carbon electricity for its data centres. Fortum said the long-term agreement could provide economic certainty for extending and upgrading the Loviisa nuclear power plant through 2050.
Google and Fortum will also explore opportunities to develop additional nuclear and renewable energy projects in Finland.
Investment Could Boost Finland’s Economy
Google estimates that its investment will add around €3.6 billion to Finland’s GDP during the construction phase. The company also expects the data centre operations to support approximately 7,000 jobs annually.
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo welcomed the investment, saying the project could support innovation, research and development.
The deal highlights the growing connection between AI expansion and energy infrastructure. As technology companies build larger AI data centres, access to reliable, affordable and low-carbon electricity is becoming increasingly important.
For Google, Finland offers a combination of cold weather, clean energy and a stable power grid, making it an important location for its next phase of AI growth.
