Finnish town braces for change from Google data centres

In the northern Finnish town of Muhos, farmer Joni Pitkanen is getting ready for a new neighbor: Google is planning to build new data centres just a few kilometers away. This is part of a 13-billion-euro investment in Finland over the next two years, Google's largest single investment in Europe.

Google's expansion includes the municipalities of Kajaani, Muhos, Vaala, and Hamina. The project is so massive that it's hard to comprehend fully, even for those who live nearby. Joni Pitkanen, a 36-year-old farmer, is cautiously optimistic about the project, believing it will bring large-scale business activity and life to the rural area. However, he is concerned about the energy consumption that will come with it.

Muhos Mayor Kimmo Hinno is also busy with Google's investment. He notes that this will change the situation for the entire municipality and the Oulu region, with thousands of workers of different nationalities expected during the construction phase. He hopes that the investment will motivate young people to stay in Muhos for work instead of moving to larger cities.

However, Google's plans have sparked controversy. The Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV) is investigating whether company Tuike Finland, which represents Google, cut down more than 300 hectares of forest in Muhos without the required environmental impact assessment. Google insists that their tree felling activities are in compliance with Forestry Act requirements and they are awaiting further guidance from LVV.