Google to Invest $15 Billion in Finnish AI Infrastructure, Secure Nuclear Power

Google plans to invest at least €13 billion ($15.1 billion) in artificial intelligence infrastructure in Finland over the next two years, while securing long-term access to nuclear power to support its growing data-centre operations.

The investment, announced on Wednesday, will include new data-centre infrastructure, electricity-grid upgrades and projects involving clean energy and battery storage.

As part of the agreement, Google has signed its first nuclear power purchase deal outside the United States.

Finnish energy company Fortum said Google will purchase up to 50 percent of the electricity generated by one of Finland’s two nuclear plants under a 22-year agreement.

The deal is expected to provide long-term financial certainty for Fortum as it plans to extend and upgrade its Loviisa nuclear power plant, located near Google’s data centre in Hamina.

The plant is expected to continue operating through 2050.
Google Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat described the agreement as an important part of the company’s plans to expand its operations in Finland and strengthen the energy supply supporting its artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Google said the Finnish investment represents its largest AI infrastructure commitment in Europe so far.

The company is increasing spending worldwide as demand for computing power grows rapidly, particularly because of the expansion of AI services.

The new infrastructure in Finland will support a range of Google products and services, including Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube.

The company estimates that the investment could contribute about $3.6 billion to Finland’s gross domestic product during the construction phase.

Once operational, the projects are expected to support approximately 7,000 jobs annually.

Google and Fortum also plan to explore opportunities to develop additional nuclear and renewable energy projects in Finland.

Finland has become an attractive destination for technology companies seeking locations for large data centres because of its relatively cool climate and access to low-carbon electricity.

Cooler temperatures can reduce the amount of energy required to keep data centres from overheating, helping companies manage operating costs.

Other major technology companies, including Microsoft and TikTok owner ByteDance, have also been expanding their data-centre presence in the region.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo welcomed Google’s decision, saying the investment demonstrated the country’s strengths in technology, energy and digital infrastructure.

He added that the benefits of the growing data economy could extend beyond direct investment by encouraging innovation, research and development.

Fortum said the long-term electricity agreement with Google would provide greater economic certainty as it considers extending the lifespan and upgrading the Loviisa nuclear facility.

The agreement highlights the growing importance of reliable, low-carbon electricity as technology companies race to expand AI infrastructure, which requires increasingly large amounts of computing power and energy.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep