SoftBank Unveils €75 Billion Plan to Boost Data Center Infrastructure in France

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

The initiative aims to create and manage an extra 5 gigawatts of data center capacity. The initial phase will concentrate on constructing facilities in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain, with a target of providing 3.1 gigawatts for the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.

As a key partner of OpenAI, SoftBank emphasized that this investment represents its largest commitment to AI infrastructure in Europe thus far.

French Economic Minister Roland Lescure remarked that this project aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s objective to establish France as a major player in the AI value chain.

In the United States, resistance is mounting against new data center projects due to environmental issues and potential effects on the electrical grid and utility rates. Nevertheless, SoftBank has already proposed a data center in Ohio, which is backed by an upcoming 9.2-gigawatt natural gas facility.