Google data centre construction in Finland draws support and forest concerns
Muhos Mayor Kimmo Hinno says the company is investing €13 billion across its Finnish locations over the next two years.
Google is building a large data centre complex near the Finnish municipality of Muhos, where residents anticipate economic opportunities while environmental campaigners question the impact on surrounding forests. Mayor Kimmo Hinno says the company's investment across its Finnish locations amounts to €13 billion over the next two years.
Hanna Halmeenpaa, who chairs the board of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, says logging in the area has already cleared more than 300 hectares of forest. She said the work took place last winter.
Local farmer and entrepreneur Joni Pitkanen has been broadly positive about the development. He said the scale was difficult to grasp but welcomed the prospect of greater business activity in the countryside, expressing hope that other companies might follow.
Many locals support the project for the investment and jobs it could bring. Construction is continuing amid concerns about forests, environmental rules and future energy demand.
