Google will invest at least €13 billion in expanding its Finnish data centers and energy infrastructure by 2028. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and includes a long-term nuclear energy agreement, marking a significant change for Finland’s digital economy.
Google is making its biggest-ever European investment in Finland, committing €13 billion to expand its data centers and energy infrastructure. The project, set for 2027 and 2028, will affect four locations: Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala.
The plan covers new data centers and supporting infrastructure, with the goal of strengthening Google’s AI services and digital operations in Finland. According to Reuters, the construction phase alone is expected to add about €3.6 billion to Finland’s GDP.
Google’s investment is expected to add approximately €3.6 billion to Finland’s GDP during the construction phase, according to Reuters.
This expansion is driven by the growing demand for artificial intelligence, which requires large-scale digital and energy resources. To keep its centers running, Google has signed a 22-year electricity purchase agreement with Fortum, a Finnish energy company. The deal secures up to half of the Loviisa nuclear plant’s capacity for Google’s operations from 2030 to 2049. Fortum is investing nearly €1 billion to modernize the plant and extend its life to 2050, relying on Google’s long-term commitment.
Google is already hiring in Finland, with roles ranging from data center engineers to facility managers. Some positions offer salaries between €76,000 and €77,500, plus bonuses and stock options. The widely reported figure of 7,000 jobs refers to the broader economic impact, not direct Google hires. It includes engineers, technicians, security, catering, logistics, maintenance, and the indirect boost to local businesses. Google also plans to train over 4,400 workers in AI-related skills and support up to 100 Finnish students preparing for data center careers.
Energy security is a key part of the project. Alongside the nuclear agreement, Google is investing in new wind power and a 94 MW battery installation near Kajaani. This mix of renewable and stable energy sources is meant to protect operations from market swings and regulatory changes, while supporting European goals for decarbonization and digital independence.
The Hamina site, one of the key locations for Google’s expansion, was originally developed on the grounds of a former paper mill, highlighting the transformation of traditional Finnish industry into a digital powerhouse. BBC notes that this historical context underscores the broader shift in the region’s economic landscape.
For job seekers, the process will be gradual. There is no single portal for all 7,000 projected roles. Openings will appear over time, split among Google, construction firms, suppliers, and local businesses. Not all jobs will offer the high salaries seen in engineering, but Google expects average wages linked to the project to be about 24% above Finland’s median.
As reported by Talent24h, Google’s expansion in Finland is more than a headline investment. It is a long-term bet on AI, a move to secure energy for decades, and a challenge to Europe’s digital infrastructure. Google is building for the future and embedding itself in Finland’s economy and workforce for years to come.
