Google Announces €13 Billion AI, Energy Investment In Finland

HELSINKI/WASHINGTON, Sept 10 (Bernama-dpa) -- Google announced on Wednesday that it will invest €13 billion (US$15.1 billion) in Finland to develop artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

"This is Google's largest single investment in Europe and a testament to Finland's leadership in responsibly building AI infrastructure," the US tech giant said.

The investment is expected to contribute €3.6 billion annually to Finland's gross domestic product during the initial construction phase and support more than 37,000 jobs nationwide. 

Google opened its first data centre in Finland about 15 years ago in Hamina. The new investment is expected to support its core services such as Search, Maps and Gemini.

Initial construction is planned between 2027 and 2028. 

Google plans AI upskilling with the support of the local colleges and to create training opportunities for 100 Finnish students in future data centre careers.

The US tech giant said the package would also support energy projects in the region.

"We are partnering on a portfolio of solutions that are aligned with our commitments to keep energy affordable for consumers and invest in clean energy," said Bikash Koley, vice president of Google Global Infrastructure.

Google has signed a 22-year agreement to support the life extension of the Loviisa nuclear power plant. It also plans to add new onshore wind capacity and contract a new 94-megawatt battery system to help stabilise prices during cold, windless periods.

-- BERNAMA-dpa