Google’s Hamina land, a record Fortum power deal and Oulu’s old prison: three data-centre stories from Finland

Google has bought 56.4 hectares in Hamina but has not decided to build, Fortum has signed its largest-ever agreement with Google, and Oulu’s old prison may house construction workers. What is confirmed and what is still an idea.

Three Finnish stories this week show how Google’s plans, Finland’s electricity market and local property owners are now linked: a land purchase in Hamina, a record sales agreement for Fortum, and an old prison in Oulu that may house construction workers. Several details are still early-stage, so we have separated what is confirmed from what is only an idea.

1. Google buys 56.4 hectares in Hamina, but has not decided to build

According to Yle (26 October 2026), Google bought a 56.4-hectare site in Summa, Hamina, from the City of Hamina for €10.7 million in September 2026. Google has not said whether it will build on the land.

  • Nature values: the draft land-use plan marks five areas that matter for flying squirrels, dragonflies or butterflies. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation’s Kaakkois-Kymi branch wants stronger markings in the plan and proper monitoring.
  • Background: Google’s Finnish subsidiary Tuike Finland was reprimanded by the Regulatory and Supervisory Agency (LVV) for illegal felling in 2018–2019. Yle’s later reporting describes that felling as inadvertent, and Google’s country manager has apologised for forest clearance at other sites.
  • Google’s position: it says it uses clear environmental protection measures and works closely with the authorities.
  • Timing: the plan is not legally binding before spring 2027 at the earliest and may still change.

2. Fortum’s profit rises and it signs its largest-ever agreement with Google

Fortum’s interim report, published on 28 October 2026, shows for July–September a comparable operating profit of €102 million (€97 million a year earlier) and sales of €1,114 million (€929 million).

During the quarter Fortum signed a 22-year nuclear power purchase agreement with Google (announced 9 September 2026) for electricity from the Loviisa plant. Fortum’s CEO Markus Rauramo calls it the largest sales agreement in the company’s history. Supply starts in 2028, covers up to half of Loviisa’s capacity and runs to 2050. On data centres more broadly, Rauramo says long-term demand is robust and activity in Finland is very high, but that demand will be realised gradually.

3. Oulu’s former prison may house data-centre workers

Yle reported on 1 November 2026 that the old Oulu prison area, about three hectares with 14 buildings including the red-brick prison and the Oxenstierna house (1778), has a new owner, Kiinteistö Oy Oulun Kruununvankila. Prison use ended in January when the new Ruskonselkä prison opened. Ideas include:

  • hostel rooms in former cells, possibly for workers on nearby Google data-centre projects;
  • a summer theatre, a Christmas market and an escape room in the basement transit cells;
  • school space, and wine or food storage in the protected cellar.

One use is already agreed: the Valve cultural centre will move into the gym during the renovation of its own premises, with temporary premises due to open in August next year. The owner hopes some cells will be available next spring. Most other ideas are still at the planning stage.

FGC perspective

Together the stories show how one investment can touch land use, energy and local business: Google’s plans affect land and nature planning, Fortum’s deal ties data centres to long-term electricity supply, and Oulu shows how demand for worker housing could create business for local property owners. Related reading: our earlier report on the proposed AI data centre in Jämsä.

For international professionals, entrepreneurs and jobseekers, the practical point is caution. A land purchase, a power agreement or a building idea does not automatically mean permanent jobs or guaranteed contracts. Check actual vacancies, qualifications, permits and project timelines before making plans.

Sources