Google has acquired approximately 56 hectares of additional land in Hamina, Finland, for the potential expansion of its existing data centre operations, highlighting the technology giant’s continued investment in the country’s digital infrastructure. The acquisition comes as the company faces environmental scrutiny over extensive tree-felling activities connected to its proposed data centre development in Muhos. Meanwhile, Finland’s data centre sector is witnessing further developments, with domestic construction company Tekova planning a 50MW facility in Perho and SRV Rakennus withdrawing from a proposed 40MW project in Eura.
The developments reflect the growing demand for data centre capacity across Europe as technology companies increase investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and digital services. Finland has emerged as an attractive destination for these facilities because of its relatively cool climate, access to low-carbon electricity and established energy infrastructure.
Google’s latest acquisition in Hamina represents another step in its long-term presence in the country. However, environmental concerns surrounding its Muhos project highlight the regulatory and sustainability challenges associated with developing large-scale digital infrastructure.
Google Expands Its Hamina Data Centre Campus
Google has acquired approximately 56.4 hectares of land from the City of Hamina for €10.7 million. The transaction, completed in September 2026, involves property located north of the company’s existing data centre campus in the Summan area.
The acquisition provides Google with additional space for potential future expansion as demand for its cloud computing and AI services continues to grow. The company has operated its Hamina data centre since 2009, when it purchased a former paper mill and converted the industrial property into a digital infrastructure facility.
Over the years, the campus has undergone several expansions and technological upgrades, becoming an important part of Google’s European data centre network.
One of the facility’s distinctive features is its seawater-based cooling system. The technology uses water from the Gulf of Finland to help regulate temperatures inside the data centre, reducing dependence on conventional cooling methods. The company has also explored opportunities to recover excess heat generated by its operations and make it available for local heating requirements.
Hamina Mayor Ilari Soosalu welcomed the latest land transaction, highlighting the importance of Google’s long-standing presence in the municipality.
The acquisition also follows Google’s announcement of plans to invest €13 billion in Finland’s digital infrastructure during 2027 and 2028. The proposed investment is expected to support data centre expansion, AI infrastructure and clean energy initiatives.
Muhos Data Centre Project Faces Environmental Controversy
While Google’s expansion in Hamina is progressing, its proposed data centre development in Muhos has encountered significant environmental challenges.
The company has faced criticism over extensive tree-felling and preparatory construction activities at the site. Approximately 250,000 trees were reportedly cleared as part of the development, raising concerns about the environmental impact and whether the work complied with applicable regulations.
Finnish authorities ordered Google to suspend preparatory activities at its proposed data centre locations in Muhos and Kajaani in October. The decision followed concerns about activities involving tree removal, soil clearance, road construction and changes to drainage systems before the necessary environmental assessment procedures had been completed.
The situation subsequently led Finnish police to launch an investigation into suspected environmental-law violations connected to the Muhos development. Authorities are examining whether preparatory construction activities breached regulations, particularly those related to water management and environmental protection.
Google has maintained that the activities were undertaken based on its understanding of the applicable permissions and requirements. However, the company has acknowledged shortcomings in the process and indicated that it would cooperate with authorities.
The controversy has introduced uncertainty into Google’s expansion plans in northern Finland. The investigation could affect construction timelines and require additional regulatory assessments before work resumes.
Tekova Plans 50MW Data Centre in Perho
Elsewhere in Finland, domestic construction and property development company Tekova is moving forward with plans for a 50MW data centre in Perho.
The proposed facility is expected to occupy approximately 41,000 square metres of land. The company is progressing with the project’s initial planning activities and has submitted a building permit application.
The development is expected to feature a two-storey facility designed to accommodate data centre operations. According to the preliminary schedule, construction could begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2029.
However, the project remains dependent on several important requirements, including securing the necessary permits, obtaining an electricity connection and finalising an agreement with a potential data centre operator.
Access to reliable electricity will be particularly important because large-scale facilities require substantial power to operate servers, cooling systems and supporting infrastructure.
Tekova, established in 2018, specialises in commercial construction, logistics facilities, production buildings and data centre developments. Its involvement in the proposed Perho project reflects the growing participation of Finnish construction companies in the country’s digital infrastructure market.
The company is also involved in a data centre expansion project for Nebius in Mäntsälä, further strengthening its position in the sector.
SRV Withdraws From Planned 40MW Eura Project
In contrast to Tekova’s expansion plans, Finnish construction company SRV Rakennus has decided to withdraw its reservation for a proposed data centre site in Kauttua, within the municipality of Eura.
SRV had previously reserved a plot measuring approximately five to ten hectares in the Tapola area in May 2026. The proposed development was expected to have a capacity of between 30MW and 40MW.
However, the company has informed the municipality that it will abandon its reservation for the property. The specific reasons behind the decision have not been publicly established.
The withdrawal represents a setback for the proposed Eura development, although it does not necessarily indicate a slowdown in Finland’s wider data centre investment market.
SRV continues to participate in other major infrastructure developments, including CSC’s Lumi data centre project in Kajaani and a facility being developed for DayOne in Lahti.
The decision also highlights the challenges involved in converting proposed data centre developments into operational facilities. Electricity availability, financing, land requirements, regulatory approvals and commercial agreements can all influence whether a project eventually moves forward.
Finland’s Data Centre Industry Faces Growing Demand
The developments involving Google, Tekova and SRV demonstrate the opportunities and challenges shaping Finland’s expanding data centre industry.
The country has attracted significant interest from international technology companies because of its climate, energy infrastructure and access to relatively low-carbon electricity. These advantages make Finland an appealing location for facilities that require continuous power and sophisticated cooling systems.
The growing adoption of AI has further accelerated demand for computing capacity, encouraging technology companies to expand their infrastructure across Europe.
However, the increasing number of proposed developments has also intensified discussions about electricity consumption, environmental protection, land use and the impact of large facilities on local communities.
Google’s acquisition in Hamina demonstrates its continued commitment to Finland, while the controversy surrounding Muhos highlights the importance of environmental compliance in infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, Tekova’s proposed facility in Perho and SRV’s withdrawal from Eura illustrate how investment opportunities can develop differently depending on commercial and regulatory conditions.
As Finland strengthens its position as a European data centre destination, balancing technological expansion with environmental responsibility and sustainable energy consumption will remain essential to the industry’s long-term growth.
