Google to invest €13bn in Finland AI sites and nuclear power

Google will invest €13bn (£11bn; $15bn) in Finland’s AI infrastructure, its largest single investment in Europe, the company said on Wednesday 9 September 2026. The package funds three new data centres, an expansion of an existing site and a 22-year deal for up to half the output of the Loviisa nuclear power plant.

How much is Google investing in Finland?

The €13bn covers data centre construction, energy projects and what Google described as dedicated nature and community funds for local biodiversity, education, research and workforce development. Google said the investment is expected to support more than 37,000 jobs during construction and to boost Finland’s GDP by €3.6bn a year. Building work is scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

Where will Google’s new data centres be built?

Google will build new data centres in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala, and expand its existing facility in Hamina, which it established after converting a former paper mill in 2009. The build-out comes as regulators in several countries draw up rules for AI systems, including the UK medicines watchdog’s 44 rules for AI in the NHS.

Why is Finland attracting data centre investment?

Finland has become an attractive location for data centres because of its cool climate, plentiful low-carbon electricity and a relatively uncongested power grid. Colder temperatures can reduce the energy needed to cool facilities packed with computer servers. Earlier in the week, TikTok announced a $1bn investment to build a data centre in Kouvola, pointing to Finland’s “strong digital infrastructure, clean energy mix, robust data governance and skilled tech talent”.

What does Google’s deal with Fortum cover?

Google signed a 22-year contract with Finnish utility Fortum to buy up to 50% of the electricity produced by the Loviisa nuclear power plant, which currently generates about 10% of Finland’s electricity. Fortum said Google’s commitment would support an investment programme aimed at extending the life of the nuclear station and increasing its generating capacity. The arrangement sits alongside other European efforts to build domestic energy and industrial capacity, such as Europe’s battery hopes resting on nanotech startups in the Netherlands.

What has Google and the Finnish government said?

“This is Google’s largest single investment in Europe and a testament to Finland’s leadership in responsibly building AI infrastructure,” Google said. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said: “Google’s decision is a clear testament to our strengths,” adding: “Deepening our collaboration with Google will deliver lasting benefits for both parties.” Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, said: “Google is proud to deepen our roots in Finland.”

Earlier this year, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, raised its global spending plans to as much as $205bn as it sought to expand computing capacity for AI services.

Frequently asked questions

How much is Google investing in Finland?

Google is investing €13bn (£11bn; $15bn) in Finland’s AI infrastructure, which the company says is its largest single investment in Europe.

Why did Google choose Finland for its data centres?

Finland offers a cool climate, plentiful low-carbon electricity and a relatively uncongested power grid, and colder temperatures reduce the energy needed to cool server facilities.

Which Finnish nuclear plant will supply Google?

Google signed a 22-year contract with the utility Fortum for up to 50% of the output of the Loviisa nuclear power plant, which generates about 10% of Finland’s electricity.

Where are Google’s new data centres in Finland?

Google will build data centres in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala, and expand its existing site in Hamina, with construction due in 2027 and 2028.

With reporting from BBC News.

Stock image, not from the events described. 123Net Data Center (DC2) — 123net / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)