Google ordered to halt work on two data centers in ‘Texas of Europe’
Finnish authorities have ordered Google to halt construction on two data centers until environmental impact assessments are completed. Google has acknowledged the oversight and stated it will comply with the regulatory requirements.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the growing tension between the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and environmental regulatory compliance in Europe.
Google has been ordered to halt work on two data centers it's developing in Finland, a month after the tech giant committed to investing $15 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure in the country.
Finnish Licensing and Supervision Agency, or LVV, on Tuesday issued a notice to Google subsidiary, Tuike Finland Oy, to suspend building work for data center projects planned for Muhos and Kajaani until the environmental impact assessments have been completed.
The suspension request applies, among other things, to the removal of trees, removal of topsoil, excavation, quarrying, crushing, transfer of soil masses, ditching, and the construction of roads and storage areas, according to a Google translation of an LVV press release.
"We understand the concerns and have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance," a Google spokesperson told CNBC, adding that it would follow the LVV's guidance.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Google told to halt work on datacentres in Finland over environmental concerns
Finland ordered Google to halt prep work at 2 data center sites over forest clearing
Google ordered to halt data center work in 'Texas of Europe; company admits ‘concerns’
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