Google’s €13bn Leap: Finland Becomes Europe’s AI Power Hub

Wed Sep 09 2026 19:13:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Google is investing €13bn in Finland, buying up to 50 % of Loviisa nuclear output to power three new data centres and lining the country’s AI future.

Google has committed €13bn to build three AI‑focused data centres in Finland, securing half the output from the Loviisa nuclear plant to meet escalating power demands. The deal, set for construction in 2027‑28, will create 37,000 jobs and boost Finland’s GDP by €3.6bn a year. Finnish prime minister Petteri Orpo hailed the move as evidence of Finland’s leadership in clean, responsibly‑built AI infrastructure. Tech giants are racing to lock in low‑carbon electricity, with Finland’s cool climate and robust grid making it a top destination for AI data hubs.

Google will buy up to half the electricity produced by one of Finland’s nuclear power plants as part of a record €13bn investment in the country’s AI infrastructure

The US tech giant said the package would fund three new data centres, expand an existing site and support energy projects to power growing demand for AI services.

Reuters quoted a Google spokesperson as saying, “This is Google’s largest single investment in Europe and a testament to Finland’s leadership in responsibly building AI infrastructure.”

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo welcomed the deal, stating it was a clear testament to the country’s strengths and would deepen collaboration with Google for lasting benefits.

Under the agreement, Google will sign a 22‑year contract with utility company Fortum to purchase up to 50 % of output from Finland’s Loviisa nuclear power plant.

Earlier this week, TikTok announced a $1bn investment in Finland to build a new data centre in Kouvola, citing the country’s strong digital infrastructure, clean energy mix, robust data governance and skilled tech talent.

Finland’s appeal to data‑centre developers stems from its cool climate, low‑carbon electricity supply and relatively uncongested power grid. Colder temperatures help reduce the cooling energy required for server banks.

The AI boom is intensifying the need for large data‑centre networks, making power supply a key commodity for tech firms.

Google estimates the investment will create more than 37,000 jobs during construction and boost Finland’s GDP by €3.6bn per year. Construction of new sites is planned for 2027 and 2028.

Google will build new data centres in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala, and expand its existing facility in Hamina, which began operating in the former paper mill in 2009.

The infrastructure will support AI products such as Gemini and other services like Search, Maps and YouTube.

The investment bundle also includes clean‑energy projects, nature and community funds, and initiatives aimed at local biodiversity, education, research and workforce development.

Alphabet’s chief investment officer Ruth Porat said the move underscores Google’s commitment to responsible growth, pairing technical expansion with energy capacity, grid improvements and affordability measures.

Alphabet’s global spending plans have risen to up to $205bn this year to expand AI computing capacity.

The deal gives Fortum long‑term financial certainty for the Loviisa plant, which currently provides about 10 % of Finland’s electricity. The investment will support a program to extend the plant’s life and increase its generating capacity.