Google expands in Finland with €27 million land purchase for data centers

The Finnish government has granted Metsähallitus, the state-owned enterprise managing Finland’s land and water resources, permission to sell land areas in Muhos and Kajaani to Google. The sale, valued at approximately €27 million, involves properties totaling about 500 hectares.

According to the government’s press release, Google intends to use the land to expand its data center operations in Finland. The areas in question were selected for their suitability for development and potential to support Google’s growing infrastructure needs in the region.

“For more than a decade, Finland has been home for our Google data center in Hamina, and we’re dedicated to supporting the country’s growing digital ambitions. Even before a final investment decision is made for the development of the sites in Kajaani and Muhos, we are working in close consultation with local and national stakeholders on a plan that supports the long-term health of the community’s economy and natural resources. This is the first step in a long process”, Antti Järvinen, Country Director Google Finland said in the announcement.

The Finnish government claims that the transaction aligns with its broader strategy to enhance Finland’s role as a leading hub for data centers in the Nordic region. Metsähallitus will finalize the sale once all necessary approvals and due diligence processes are complete. The government noted that the project is expected to bring significant economic benefits and further strengthen Finland’s digital infrastructure.

“The sale and the potential investment it enables will play a significant role in helping the region fully exploit its potential in terms of economic growth, regional vitality, investments, competence development and the availability of labour in accordance with the Government’s programmes for northern and eastern Finland,” said Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah.