Google’s Finland agreement includes a 22 year power purchase arrangement that could provide the company with as much as half of the electricity generated by one of the country’s two nuclear power plants, according to operator Fortum.

Nuclear energy is an important attraction for Finland as technology companies look for locations to build data centres. The large supply of low carbon electricity can help companies manage energy expenses while working toward climate targets.

Google Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat told reporters in Helsinki that the agreement represents the company’s first nuclear energy arrangement outside the United States. She described the deal as an important part of Google’s broader plans in Finland.

The company said its planned investment will cover new data centres, upgrades to the electricity grid, clean energy facilities and battery projects. The infrastructure will support services including Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube.

Google said the new digital infrastructure is expected to strengthen Finland’s digital capabilities while also supporting innovation and the development of artificial intelligence across Europe.

The investment is planned for 2027 and 2028. Google estimates that construction activity will add about $3.6 billion to Finland’s gross domestic product and that the completed facilities could support approximately 7,000 jobs each year.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo welcomed Google’s decision, saying it demonstrated the country’s strengths. He added that the benefits of the digital economy extend beyond direct investment by encouraging innovation, research and development.

Utility company Fortum said the long term electricity agreement would provide greater financial certainty for extending and upgrading the Loviisa nuclear power plant through 2050.

The Loviisa facility is located close to Google’s existing data centre in Hamina, making the arrangement particularly significant for the company’s expanding operations in Finland.