Google is set to invest at least €13 billion in data centres and digital infrastructure in Finland over the next two years, marking the company’s largest single investment in Europe as it expands its capacity for artificial intelligence and other digital services.
The investment will support data centres and related infrastructure in the Finnish municipalities of Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala. Google also plans to fund clean energy projects as well as initiatives focused on biodiversity, education, research and workforce development.
The company said the decision reflects Finland’s strong position in developing energy-efficient infrastructure for artificial intelligence. The new facilities will support a range of Google services, including its Gemini chatbot.
Construction is expected to take place during 2027 and 2028. Google estimates the investment could contribute around €3.6 billion annually to Finland’s gross domestic product and support more than 37,000 jobs. About 16,000 of those positions are expected to be linked directly to construction work.
Once construction is completed, Google expects its facilities and related economic activity to support around 7,000 jobs each year. These positions are expected to include technical and facility roles, equipment suppliers and workers in nearby shops, restaurants and other services.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo welcomed the announcement, saying the investment demonstrated the country’s strengths and could generate benefits beyond the immediate spending.
“The value of the data economy extends far beyond direct investment into spurring innovation, research and development,” Orpo said. He added that closer cooperation with Google could produce long-term benefits for both sides.
Why Finland is attracting data centres
Finland’s climate and energy supply are major factors behind its appeal to technology companies. Data centres consume large amounts of electricity and produce substantial heat, making cooling a major operational cost.
The country’s cold climate can help reduce cooling requirements, while its energy system includes nuclear power, wind and hydropower. The combination of relatively stable electricity supplies and favourable conditions for cooling has encouraged a growing number of data centre projects across Finland.
Google has maintained a presence in the country since 2009, when it acquired a former paper mill in the coastal city of Hamina and converted the site into a data centre. The company has expanded the facility over the years.
The latest investment comes as Finland faces weak economic growth and record unemployment. For Orpo’s government, attracting major technology investments has become an important economic priority.
With the country’s data economy offering prospects for investment, employment and research, Google’s announcement is expected to strengthen Finland’s position as a major European hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
