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

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

This initiative aims to establish and operate an additional 5 gigawatts of data center capacity. The initial phase will concentrate on building facilities in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain, targeting the 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 largest commitment to AI infrastructure in Europe thus far.

French Economic Minister Roland Lescure characterized this announcement as indicative of President Emmanuel Macron’s goal to position France as an essential contributor to the AI value chain.

In the United States, increasing resistance to new data center projects stems from environmental concerns and potential effects on the electrical grid and utility costs. Nevertheless, SoftBank has already planned a data center in Ohio, backed by a proposed 9.2-gigawatt natural gas facility.