Google buys half a Finnish nuclear plant's power for AI data centers

Google just bought half the output of a Finnish nuclear plant to feed its growing AI data centers.

Google announced a €13 billion ($15 billion) investment package in Finland, marking its largest single investment in Europe. As reported by the BBC, Google signed a 22-year contract with Finnish utility Fortum to purchase up to 50% of the power from the Loviisa nuclear plant. The funds will build three new data centers in Kajaani, Muhos, and Vaala, while expanding an existing facility in Hamina.

Why it matters: Running AI services like Gemini requires massive amounts of power, driving tech companies to lock down clean energy supplies. Finland is prime real estate for data centers: cold weather cuts server cooling costs, and the local grid has plenty of low-carbon electricity. The 22-year deal also helps Fortum fund life-extension work on a plant that generates 10% of Finland's total power.

Know this: Google isn't the only tech giant moving north. TikTok recently announced a $1 billion data center investment in Finland, pointing to the country's cold climate and clean energy mix.

Running global AI at scale takes more than smart code—it takes half a nuclear reactor.