Alphabet’s Google announced on Wednesday it will pour at least €13 billion ($15.1 billion) into artificial‑intelligence infrastructure in Finland over the next two years, its biggest investment in Europe to date. The plan includes constructing three new data centres in the country’s northern region, where winter temperatures can fall below –10 °C (14 °F), and securing a 22‑year purchase agreement for up to 50 % of the output of one of Finland’s two nuclear power plants.
Google’s President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat told reporters in Helsinki that the project, dubbed BYOP (Bring Your Own Power), would be the company’s first nuclear energy deal outside the United States. The partnership with Fortum, the operator of the Loviisa plant, aims to supply clean, low‑carbon electricity to keep the servers cool while meeting climate goals.
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo welcomed the deal, saying it would boost the economy through innovation, research and development, and assured that electricity production would remain sufficient and prices under control. Fortum’s shares jumped 15.5 % to a 4‑½‑year high following the announcement.
The investment will also fund grid improvements, clean‑energy and battery projects that support Google’s services such as Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube. Google estimates the construction phase will contribute roughly €3.6 billion to Finland’s GDP and create about 7,000 jobs once operational.
With its colder climate and stable grid, Finland offers an attractive location for energy‑intensive data centres. The partnership will also explore further development of nuclear and renewable energy in the country.
