Google Drops Record $15 Billion Bet on Finnish AI Infrastructure
Google has made its largest single investment in Europe to date, committing at least $15 billion over two years in Finland. The funds will cover data centers, clean energy initiatives, and community projects across the country.
The company plans to expand its existing Hamina data center, which was converted from a former paper mill 15 years ago, while building three new sites in Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala. This project is expected to support over 37,000 jobs during construction and add $4.1 billion annually to Finland's GDP.
Once operational, the data centers will provide around 7,000 permanent positions, with average pay rates about 24% above the national median wage in Finland. Additionally, Google will invest $35.5 million in community programs, including AI training for over 4,400 workers and new training slots for 100 Finnish students.
The company has also signed a 22-year agreement with Fortum to support the life extension of the Loviisa nuclear plant, which supplies about 10% of Finland's electricity. Google is also adding onshore wind capacity and contracting a 94-megawatt battery system near its Kajaani site.