Finland's regulator orders the company behind Google's planned Muhos and Kajaani data centres to halt site work pending environmental reviews

Finland's Permit and Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto, LVV) on 6 October ordered Tuike Finland Oy to suspend preparatory work at its planned data-centre projects in Muhos and Kajaani, immediately and no later than 23 October, until the environmental impact assessment procedures for both projects are complete. Al Jazeera reported that Tuike Finland is the company representing Google.

The agency's release says large-scale work has already been done at the sites: tree removal, topsoil stripping, site roads and storage areas, changes to ditches and culverts, and stormwater arrangements. The order covers work such as tree removal, excavation, blasting and road building, but not planning, measurements, soil surveys or other minor, easily reversed steps. Tuike must explain by 14 October whether it will comply; if it does not, the agency will consider administrative compulsion, which can be backed by conditional fines.

The agency's release does not name Google. Al Jazeera, citing AFP, reported that Google spokesman Sondre Ronander acknowledged the company's shortcomings and said it would “study the LVV's findings and follow their guidance”. Al Jazeera also reported that Google announced a large investment in Finnish digital infrastructure in September.

The order is an early case of European environmental permitting slowing the AI data-centre build-out, here in a country that has drawn data centres with its cool climate and clean power.

• Confirmed LVV ordered Tuike Finland Oy to suspend preparatory work at Muhos and Kajaani immediately and no later than 23 October, and to explain by 14 October whether it will comply. Lupa- ja valvontavirasto (STT Info)
• Reported Tuike Finland represents Google, and Google said it would follow the agency's guidance, Al Jazeera reported, citing AFP. Al Jazeera