SoftBank Group announced today that it plans to spend up to €75 billion (around $87 billion) to expand data center capacity in France.
The ambitious initiative aims to add up to 5 gigawatts of data center capacity. Initially, the firm will focus on constructing facilities in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain, targeting a total of 3.1 gigawatts for the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.
This investment marks one of SoftBank’s most significant moves into AI infrastructure in Europe and solidifies its role as both an investor in and a customer of OpenAI, as detailed in various reports.
French economic minister Roland Lescure characterized the announcement as a reflection of President Emmanuel Macron’s vision to make France a premier hub throughout the AI value chain.
Meanwhile, in the United States, there is growing opposition to data center development due to environmental issues and concerns regarding their impact on the electrical grid and energy prices. Still, SoftBank has previously declared intentions to establish a data center in Ohio, backed by a new 9.2 gigawatt natural gas plant.
This investment is crucial as it positions France at the forefront of the AI sector, enhances local infrastructure, and reflects a broader trend in the tech industry that prioritizes sustainable and scalable solutions. It could also influence future data center policies in Europe and beyond.
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