Google commits €13 billion to Finnish AI data centres and nuclear power deal

Data centre expansion across four Finnish hubs

Alphabet announced a €13 billion ($15.1 billion) investment in Finnish artificial intelligence infrastructure on 9 September 2026, representing the company's single largest investment in Europe to date. Scheduled for construction during 2027 and 2028, the capital program finances three new data centres in Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala, alongside an expansion of Google's established campus in Hamina. Google acquired the Hamina site, a former paper mill, in 2009 and has since invested roughly $4 billion into the location, which uses seawater for cooling and redirects waste heat to local properties. The expanded facilities will supply computing power for Alphabet services including Gemini, Search, Maps, and YouTube as global capital expenditures reach between $195 billion and $205 billion.

“Google is proud to deepen our roots in Finland through the company's single largest investment in Europe, building on more than 15 years of sustained investment in Finland.”

Long-term nuclear and clean energy commitments

To supply power to the expanding facilities, Google agreed to a 22-year power purchase agreement with Finnish utility Fortum. The arrangement covers up to 50% of the electricity output from the Loviisa nuclear power plant between 2030 and 2049. The long-term revenues will help unlock €1 billion in necessary capital to extend the operational lifespan of the Loviisa facility, which employs approximately 580 people and produces 10% of Finland's electricity. Google is also evaluating business structures to assess the commercial viability of potential new nuclear reactors at Loviisa.

Beyond nuclear energy, Google signed power purchase agreements for onshore wind power with Valorem in Ostrobothnia and Suomen Hyötytuuli across Ostrobothnia and Central Finland, lifting the total Google-supported onshore wind capacity on the Finnish grid to 629 MW. The tech firm is also deploying a 94 MW battery energy storage system near its Kajaani site, scheduled to begin operations in late 2027. Fingrid chief executive Asta Sihvonen-Punkka stated that placing facilities at strong electrical grid nodes supports system-wide stability and cost-effective grid management.

Supported onshore wind capacity629

Kajaani battery storage system94

Supported onshore wind capacity

629 MW

Kajaani battery storage system

94 MW

Data from the article text

Economic impact and Nordic data hub growth

Google projected that the construction phase will contribute €3.6 billion to Finland's gross domestic product and support between 16,000 and 37,000 construction jobs during 2027 and 2028, followed by approximately 7,000 permanent operational jobs annually. The company established dedicated nature and community funds totaling $36 million across Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala to fund local education, workforce upskilling, biodiversity initiatives, recreational trails, public saunas, and fishing piers.

“Google's decision is a clear testament to our strengths. The value of the data economy extends far beyond direct investment into spurring innovation, research, and development.”

The capital commitment comes as Finland faces domestic unemployment exceeding 10%, leading the government to develop legislation establishing mandatory data centre registrations to monitor grid demand. Technology companies have increasingly focused on Finland due to its cold climate, low-carbon power availability, and available land. Earlier in September 2026, TikTok announced a $1 billion facility in Kouvola, while Pure DC committed €1.5 billion in July 2026 for a site starting at 110 MW, alongside ongoing projects by Nebius, Microsoft, and Arcem.