Google's new data center construction in Finland paused

The Finnish Supervisory Authority has ordered a halt to construction work on Google's planned data centers in the municipalities of Muhos and Kajana. The pause is necessary because the environmental impact of the projects requires investigation. This intervention follows reports that trees were felled and the top layer of soil was removed as part of the preparations for the construction.

Environment and Climate Minister Sari Multala states that all companies operating in Finland must obey the law, and environmental impact assessments must be completed before making significant, permanent changes. Sondre Ronander, Google's communications manager in Finland and Norway, explains that the company acted in good faith based on the forestry act.

These developments occur against a backdrop of widespread protests against Google's building plans in Finland, driven partly by concerns that the proposed data centers will consume massive amounts of energy.