SoftBank Unveils €75 Billion Initiative to Grow Data Centers in France

SoftBank Group has revealed intentions to invest up to €75 billion (around $87 billion) to enhance data center capacity in France.

The initiative aims to establish and oversee an additional 5 gigawatts of data center capacity. The first phase will focus on building facilities in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain, aiming to provide 3.1 gigawatts for the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.

As a key supporter and partner of OpenAI, SoftBank noted that this investment represents its largest commitment to AI infrastructure in Europe.

French Economic Minister Roland Lescure characterized this announcement as a “testament to President Emmanuel Macron’s vision for positioning France as a major player in the AI value chain.”

In the U.S., increasing opposition to new data center developments is spurred by environmental concerns and possible effects on the electrical grid and utility costs. However, SoftBank has already unveiled plans for a data center in Ohio, backed by a new 9.2-gigawatt natural gas facility.