Google is investing about $15 billion in the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure in Finland. As part of a large-scale project, the company entered into a 22-year agreement with the energy company Fortum to purchase up to 50% of the electricity generated by the Loviisa nuclear power plant, Tech-news reports.
The American company will use the funds to build three new data centers in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaal, and will also expand the existing data center in Hamina. Construction is planned for 2027–2028.
Google calls the project the company's largest single investment in Europe. The new infrastructure will be used to power AI-powered services, including the Gemini chatbot, as well as Google Search, YouTube and Maps.
A separate part of the agreement concerns energy. The Loviisa nuclear power plant accounts for about 10% of Finland's electricity production. A long-term contract with Google should provide the station with stable demand and support a program to extend its service life and increase its generating capacity.
Finland attracts technology companies with its combination of cool climate, low-carbon electricity and extensive energy infrastructure. Cold weather also reduces the cost of cooling server equipment in data centers.
Google estimates that the project will support more than 37,000 jobs annually during construction and add about $4.2 billion to Finland's GDP. The company also promises investments in clean energy projects, development of electricity grids, biodiversity, education and training.
Google's investment plan comes amid a global race among tech companies for computing power. The growth of generative AI requires more and more data centers and electricity, so large market players are beginning to enter into long-term agreements directly with energy companies.
Competition for Finnish infrastructure is already intensifying. TikTok previously announced plans to invest $1 billion in the construction of its own data center in Kuvol.
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