Google to invest billions in Finland
The US technology group Google has announced plans to invest 13 billion euros in data centres and digital infrastructure in Finland over the next two years. Google emphasised that the investments would encompass "clean energy projects" and the company also plans to support projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and restoring damaged ecosystems. The Finnish press takes stock.
Don't reject sensible projects
Ilta-Sanomat appeals to reason:
“The data centre boom is a global phenomenon. Following the initial enthusiasm, such projects often meet with resistance. There are fears of negative impacts on both the environment and local communities. The cost and even the availability of electricity are frequent concerns. Some of these are reminiscent of the resistance to machinery in the early days of industrialisation. Back then, craftspeople feared that new machines like the spinning jenny would take away their jobs. Ultimately, however, the technological revolution created new jobs. Some of today's concerns may be justified and must be seriously analysed. But sensible investments should not be rejected.”
Strengthening Finland’s position
Helsingin Sanomat welcomes Google's investments but urges caution:
“In a way, data centres are the oil derricks of our time, where data is transformed into added value through electricity. They form part of the critical infrastructure of modern society without which our current way of life would not really be possible. Another question is where they should be located, and where the added value they generate ends up. Thanks to Google's investments, Finland now has an even better opportunity to strengthen its position in the data economy. However, we must have the capacity and the courage to develop this model further. If we fail to do so, the price we pay may be one that cannot be measured in monetary terms alone.”