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

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

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

As a major supporter and partner of OpenAI, SoftBank emphasized that this investment represents its largest pledge to AI infrastructure in Europe to date.

French Economic Minister Roland Lescure characterized this announcement as a reflection of President Emmanuel Macron’s vision to establish France as an essential player in the AI value chain.

In the United States, increasing opposition to new data center projects is fueled by environmental concerns and the potential repercussions on the electrical grid and utility expenses. Nevertheless, SoftBank has already disclosed plans for a data center in Ohio, backed by a newly proposed 9.2-gigawatt natural gas facility.