Google will purchase as much as half of the electricity generated by one of Finland's nuclear facilities as part of a historic €13bn (£11bn; $15bn) investment in the nation's AI infrastructure, the company revealed.
The American technology leader announced that the funding would establish three new data centres, enlarge a current site, and aid energy initiatives to meet the increasing demand for AI services.
"This marks Google's most significant individual investment in Europe and highlights Finland's role in responsibly developing AI infrastructure," the company stated.
Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that Google's decision clearly demonstrates our strengths.
In conjunction with the agreement, Google entered into a 22-year contract with Finnish utility Fortum to purchase as much as 50% of the electricity generated by the Loviisa nuclear power facility.
Earlier this week, TikTok revealed a $1bn investment in Finland to establish a new data center in Kouvola, highlighting the nation's "strong digital infrastructure, clean energy resources, effective data governance, and skilled tech workforce."
Finland has become a desirable site for data centres due to its chilly climate, abundant low-carbon energy, and relatively uncongested electrical grid. Lower temperatures can decrease the energy required to cool buildings filled with computer servers.
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Tech firms are competing to secure energy sources as the surge in AI drives the need for extensive data centre networks.
Google states that its investment is anticipated to generate over 37,000 jobs throughout construction and enhance Finland's GDP by €3.6bn annually. Building is scheduled to occur in 2027 and 2028.
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"The significance of the data economy goes well beyond mere investment in driving innovation, research, and development," Orpo remarked.
Enhancing our partnership with Google will bring enduring advantages for both sides.
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Google will construct additional data centres in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala, while enhancing its current site in Hamina, which it developed by repurposing a former paper mill in 2009.