Google investigated in Finland over forest clearing for data centre

The Muhos project has drawn scrutiny from environmental groups and residents, while Google says its tree-cutting complied with Finnish forestry laws.

Google is facing an investigation in Finland over allegations that more than 300 hectares of forest, an area equivalent to about 420 football fields, was cleared for a data centre before the project received the required environmental clearance.

The investigation concerns Google’s local company, Tuke Finland, which is accused of using excavators to cut trees and level the land before completing an environmental impact assessment (EIA), according to AFP.

The project is being developed near the small town of Muhos, which has fewer than 9,000 residents. Google plans to invest 13 billion euros in Finland over the next two years as part of its data centre expansion. The Muhos project is part of that programme.

Google previously opened a data centre in Hamina and has also announced plans to expand operations in the Muhos, Kajaani and Vaala areas.

Hanna Halminpa, board chair of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, told AFP that it was necessary to establish whether the project complied with the law.

“The legality of the project needs to be clarified. Until that is clear, all activities at this construction site should be suspended,” she said.

Halminpa also alleged that trees had been felled indiscriminately in some protected natural forest areas. The organisation formally called for work at the site to be halted.

Local authorities have welcomed the project in anticipation of major investment, but residents have raised concerns about its environmental impact and the possibility of higher electricity prices.

Google has rejected allegations that it cleared the forest in an unplanned manner. The company told AFP that its tree-cutting operations had complied with all requirements under Finland’s forestry laws.

Google’s public relations manager also said the natural environment in the area had been protected during work on the project.

Finland’s cold climate and access to relatively inexpensive energy from sources including nuclear and hydropower have helped make the country a major destination for data centres.

The government views such facilities as a potential response to slow economic growth and unemployment. Global companies including Microsoft and TikTok have therefore made major investments in Finland.

Despite strong objections, there has been no information that construction work at the Muhos site has been halted.