Google to invest $15bn in AI infrastructure and buy nuclear power in Finland

Alphabet's Google plans to invest a whopping $15.1 billion in AI infrastructure and nuclear power in Finland over the next two years, marking its largest European investment. The US tech giant aims to develop three new data centers in the northern region of Finland, where the freezing temperatures help cool computer servers, thus reducing energy costs.

This push into Europe is fueled by the cold climate and stable electrical grids found in Nordic countries, which are ideal for energy- and water-intensive data centers. Google's investment includes a 22-year agreement to purchase up to 50% of the energy output from one of Finland's nuclear plants, operated by Fortum, a move that could significantly reduce electricity costs and meet climate goals.

This is Google's first nuclear energy deal outside the United States. The investments are projected to contribute €3.6 billion to Finland's GDP during construction and generate around 7,000 jobs annually once operational. Finland's Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, welcomed the deal, emphasizing that it will boost innovation, research, and development, while assuring that electricity production will remain sufficient and prices controlled.