Finnish authorities have ordered Google to suspend preparatory work on two planned data centres until environmental impact assessments are completed, following reports of extensive work at the sites.
The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Agency (LVV) issued the notice to Google subsidiary Tuike Finland Oy, directing it to halt work on the projects in Kajaani and Muhos no later than 23 October.
The suspension will remain in place until the environmental impact assessment procedures for both projects have been completed.
Tommi Muilu, head of the authority’s environmental department, said reports indicated that substantial preparatory work had already taken place, including tree and topsoil removal, construction of site roads and storage areas, alterations to ditches and culverts, and stormwater works.
“In our opinion, the measures in question will change the environment and cause impacts, the identification and assessment of which are among the key objectives of the EIA procedure,” he said.
The suspension covers activities including tree and topsoil removal, excavation, quarrying, crushing, the movement of soil, drainage works and the construction of site roads and storage areas.
However, the order does not prevent planning, measurements, soil surveys or other activities with minor environmental impacts that can be easily reversed.
A Google representative acknowledged shortcomings in the company’s handling of the projects, saying: “We understand the concerns and have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance.”
The representative told CNBC that Google would follow the LVV’s guidance.
The suspension comes after Google announced a €13 billion investment in Finland’s artificial intelligence infrastructure, marking its largest single investment in Europe.
Beyond the two data centres, the wider digital infrastructure project includes AI facilities, nuclear power and renewable energy.
