Finland halts Google subsidiary’s work on two AI data centers over forest clearing concerns

The order pauses major construction while environmental review continues, limiting site work at Muhos and Kajaani.

Finland has ordered Google subsidiary Tuike Finland Oy to halt construction at two AI data center sites in Muhos and Kajaani until environmental impact assessments are completed, after regulators said the project may have involved clearing more than 740 acres of forest. The ruling matters for operators because it shows environmental review can stop large-scale data center builds even in a country that is otherwise attractive for power- and land-hungry infrastructure. The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Agency also told the company to stop tree removal, topsoil work, excavation, quarrying, crushing, soil transfers, ditching, and road and storage construction. Google said it understood the concerns, said it had fallen short of its own standards, and said it would continue landscaping and biodiversity work, including tree planting across 130 hectares at Muhos. The company can still do planning, measurements, soil surveys, and other low-impact work while the review proceeds.