Environment & Climate

Finland stops construction at two Google data centre locations

Regulators ordered work paused over forest clearance and missing reviews, BBC News reports.

Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 11:04 UTC3 reports

The short version

Finnish regulators ordered a suspension of preparatory work at planned Google data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani over forest clearance.[BBC News]
The Finnish Supervisory Agency found that operations at one location proceeded without a required environmental impact assessment.[BBC News]
Project firm Tuike Finland must provide an explanation and next steps by 14 October, while activities significantly altering the environment must pause by 23 October.[BBC News]
Google acknowledged falling short of its standards and confirmed it will follow regulatory guidance.[BBC News]

Finnish authorities halted site preparation work at two planned Google data centres in Muhos and Kajaani due to concerns over forest clearance.[BBC News]
The Finnish Supervisory Agency determined that work at one location lacked a mandatory environmental impact assessment.[BBC News]
Regulators mandated that activities significantly altering the environment must be suspended by 23 October.[BBC News]
Project firm Tuike Finland was instructed to submit an explanation and procedural plan by 14 October.[BBC News]
Google stated it acted in good faith under the Forestry Act, conducted nature surveys, and will comply with agency guidance.[BBC News]

Whether regulators will initiate formal enforcement proceedings depends on Tuike Finland's response by 14 October.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.