GOOGLE SET TO INVEST €13 BILLION IN FINLAND

Google is set to make its largest-ever investment in Europe, announcing plans to invest €13 billion in Finland over the next two years.

The technology giant says the investment, planned mainly for 2027 and 2028, will expand its data centre network and build new infrastructure to support the rapidly growing demand for artificial intelligence and digital services.

The projects will involve Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala, with new data centre facilities planned in northern Finland and an expansion of Google's existing operations in Hamina.

Google says the investment will support services including Google Search, Maps and Gemini, while strengthening Finland's position as an important centre for Europe's growing AI infrastructure.

Major boost for Finland's economy

The scale of the investment could provide a significant boost to the Finnish economy. Google estimates that the construction phase will contribute around €3.6 billion annually to Finland's GDP.

More than 37,000 jobs nationwide are expected to be supported during the construction phase, while the completed facilities are expected to support thousands of permanent jobs.

Google also plans to invest €31 million in local communities over four years. The money will support education, economic development, research and innovation in areas surrounding its facilities.

The company says more than 4,400 workers will receive AI-related training, while a new programme will provide training opportunities for up to 100 Finnish students interested in data centre careers.

Google also expands clean-energy plans

The investment is not limited to data centres. Google is also working with Finnish energy company Fortum on a 22-year agreement linked to the Loviisa nuclear power plant.

Under the agreement, Google will purchase up to 50% of the plant's electricity output from 2030 to 2049. The companies will also explore new nuclear and renewable energy projects.

Google says it will also support new wind power and battery-storage projects as part of its expansion.

The company has operated in Finland since 2009, when it converted a former paper mill in Hamina into a data centre. Its latest announcement marks a major new chapter in Google's Finnish operations and strengthens the country's growing role in Europe's AI and data-centre industry.