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Google picks Finland for its largest single investment in Europe

Google is investing €13 billion in Finland to expand its AI infrastructure, including a 22-year agreement to purchase half of the electricity generated by the Loviisa nuclear plant.

Key Points

  • Google will construct three new data centers in Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala while expanding its existing facility in Hamina.
  • The company signed a 22-year power purchase agreement with Finnish utility Fortum for 50% of the output from the Loviisa nuclear power plant.
  • The project is expected to support over 37,000 jobs during construction and contribute €3.6 billion annually to Finland's GDP.
  • Construction for the new infrastructure is scheduled to take place throughout 2027 and 2028.
  • The investment aims to provide the necessary computing capacity for Google services, including Gemini, Search, Maps, and YouTube.

Why it Matters

This record-breaking investment highlights the growing trend of major technology firms securing long-term, carbon-free energy sources to meet the massive power demands of artificial intelligence. By partnering with nuclear utilities, companies like Google are attempting to stabilize their energy supply while simultaneously supporting the expansion of national power grids.
BBC News Published by https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
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