Google Announces $1.1 Billion Data Center Expansion in Finland

Google plans to invest an additional 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in expanding its data center in Hamina, Finland.

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This expansion is part of Google's strategy to enhance its AI capabilities across Europe.

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Nordic countries, including Finland, are favored for data centers due to cooler climates, tax incentives, and renewable energy.

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Finland's wind power capacity grew by 75% in 2022, making it ideal for energy-intensive operations like data centers.

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Google's Finnish data center operates with 97% carbon-free energy.

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Utilizes wind power through long-term contracts to support its operations.

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Google will re-route excess heat from its data center to the district heating network in Hamina, benefiting local households and public services.

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The expansion aligns with Google’s aim to reach net zero emissions by 2030.

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Despite some Nordic countries rethinking data center hosting due to energy use, Finland continues to support these facilities.

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Google also plans new data centers in the Netherlands and Belgium as part of its European infrastructure expansion.

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The demand for AI services, which require significant computing power, is expected to increase data center power consumption.

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Google’s investment positions it at the forefront of combining technological advancement with renewable energy usage.

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