SoftBank Unveils €75 Billion Initiative to Strengthen Data Center Infrastructure in France

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

The initiative aims to establish and manage an additional 5 gigawatts of data center capacity. The initial phase will concentrate on building facilities in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain, targeting a provision of 3.1 gigawatts for the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.

As a major partner of OpenAI, SoftBank emphasized that this investment represents its most significant foray into AI infrastructure in Europe thus far.

French Economic Minister Roland Lescure characterized this announcement as indicative of President Emmanuel Macron’s goal to elevate France as a key player in the AI value chain.

In the United States, rising opposition to new data center projects stems from environmental concerns and potential effects on the electrical grid and utility expenses. Nonetheless, SoftBank has already put forth a plan for a data center in Ohio, backed by an upcoming 9.2-gigawatt natural gas facility.