Finland opens criminal probe into environmental breaches at Google data centre site

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Finland probes Google data centre

Highlights

Finnish police have launched a criminal investigation into Tuike Finland Oy, a Google subsidiary, for suspected environmental law breaches at its Muhos data centre site.
On October 6, Finland's supervisory agency ordered Google to halt preparatory environmental alterations at the Muhos site and a separate location due to non-compliance.
Google plans extensive investments in Finland, including data centres and clean energy projects, amid government support and ongoing regulatory scrutiny over environmental practices.

Investigation targets site works near Muhos

As reported by Reuters, Finnish police said on Thursday they have launched a criminal investigation into suspected breaches of environmental law at the construction site of Tuike Finland Oy's planned data centre near the town of Muhos.

Authorities have said Tuike Finland, a subsidiary of Alphabet's Google, carried out forest clearing and drainage work before environmental impact assessments required under Finnish law had been completed. In a statement, police said preliminary information points to ambiguities and shortcomings in drainage and water management at the site, and that the investigation will examine circumstances linked to those issues.

On October 6, Finland's supervisory agency for environmental permits and assessments ordered Google to halt preparatory measures altering the environment at Muhos and at a separate site. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while Reuters was not immediately able to reach Tuike. Google has previously said it began preparatory work based on its understanding of the approvals required under relevant legislation.

Finland remains a key data centre market

Finland's cool climate, low-carbon electricity supply and government backing for artificial intelligence projects have helped make the country one of Europe's main destinations for data centre investment in recent years.

Google said its planned investments in Finland include data centres, electricity grid improvements, and clean energy and battery projects supporting services such as Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said last month the investment would support the economy, while downplaying concerns that it would consume large amounts of power and increase electricity prices.

In our earlier article, we covered an Ontario court case over unauthorized shoreline work along the Sturgeon River that damaged endangered Lake Sturgeon habitat in a conservation reserve. The case resulted in convictions and a combined C$175,000 in fines, surcharges and court-ordered payments, underscoring the legal and operational risks of starting work without required permits in environmentally protected zones.

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