Google to fund Finnish AI with €13bn investment and nuclear power pact

The Google investment is expected to support more than 37,000 jobs during construction and boost Finland’s GDP by €3.6bn a year, according to Google. Construction is set to take place in 2027 and 2028.

“The value of the data economy extends far beyond direct investment into spurring innovation, research and development,” Orpo added.

“Deepening our collaboration with Google will deliver lasting benefits for both parties.”

Google will build new data centres in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala, while expanding its existing facility in Hamina, which it established after converting a former paper mill in 2009.

The infrastructure will help support products such as its AI chatbot Gemini, alongside services including Search, Maps and YouTube.

Google said the investments also covered “clean energy projects, and dedicated nature and community funds to support local biodiversity, education, research, and workforce development”.

“Google is proud to deepen our roots in Finland,” said Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google.

“This investment underscores Google’s commitment to grow our presence responsibly, pairing the expansion of our technical infrastructure with new energy capacity, grid enhancements, and energy affordability initiatives,” she added.