Resistance to data center construction grows in Finland — YLE News
Resistance to data center construction has intensified in Finland after Google announced investments in the country totaling 13.1 billion. The company plans to build new data centers in Kajaani, Vaala and Muhos, YLE News reports.
According to a survey by the Maaseudun Tulevaisuus publication, most residents of Finland want to restrict the construction of such facilities. The country has also launched the Datakeskukset kuriin citizens’ initiative, whose authors demand oversight of data centers. They raise questions about the sufficiency of electricity and water, possible price increases and environmental impact.
An initiative for parliament
One of those responsible for the initiative, Sanna-Maarit Nieminiitti from Savonlinna, said that authorities should take a more cautious approach to such projects. According to her, investments are acceptable if they serve the interests of Finland, its citizens and the environment. Nieminiitti also spoke out against using the country’s natural resources for the profits of global corporations that, she claims, do not pay taxes in Finland.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
For parliament to consider the initiative, it must collect 50,000 signatures.
Debate abroad
Opposition to data centers is also growing in other countries. In the United States, according to data from a March survey cited by YLE, more than two-thirds of respondents opposed the construction of data centers in their local areas. According to YLE, a majority of supporters of both the Republican and Democratic parties spoke out against such projects.
Finnish experts assess the consequences of the sector’s development differently. Lassi Linnanen, a professor at LUT University, believes that the greatest benefits from data center construction go abroad. At the same time, Jukka Leskelä, CEO of Energiateollisuus, called data centers an opportunity for economic growth. Residents of Vaasa, Muhos and Kajaani expect the projects to bring jobs and tax revenue, although they are also concerned about the sufficiency of electricity.
