SoftBank Group announced plans to invest up to €75 billion in France to expand its data center capacity. The company stated that this will be its largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe.
Construction goals
The first phase of the project will be implemented in several locations in northern France. SoftBank plans to build data centers in Dunkirk, Boscare, and Bouchad, with the goal of providing 3.1 gigawatts of capacity to the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.
Expanding AI computing power
SoftBank stated that the project will ultimately develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of new data center capacity. The company is also an investor and customer of OpenAI, leading many to view this investment as a significant step in its AI infrastructure development strategy.
France strives to develop the AI industry chain
French Economy Minister Roland Lescuhl stated that this announcement reflects Macron's ambition to make France a destination for the entire AI industry chain. In contrast, data center construction in some parts of the United States is facing more controversy due to environmental, power grid, and electricity price issues.












