SoftBank says it will invest up to €75 billion to build French data centers
SoftBank Group plans to invest up to €75 billion in France to develop and operate 5 gigawatts of additional data center capacity, marking its largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe. The initial phase involves building data centers in three locations in the Hauts-de-France region to deliver 3.1 gigawatts by 2031.
SoftBank Group has announced plans to invest up to €75 billion (approximately $87 billion) to expand data center capacity in France. This initiative aims to develop and operate an additional 5 gigawatts of data center capacity, marking the company’s largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe. SoftBank is both an investor in and a customer of OpenAI.
The initial phase of the plan focuses on establishing data centers in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain. These facilities are projected to deliver 3.1 gigawatts of capacity to the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.
French economic minister Roland Lescure welcomed the announcement, stating it reflects President Emmanuel Macron’s vision to establish France as a prime destination across the entire AI value chain.
This investment comes amidst increasing scrutiny over data center construction in the United States, driven by environmental concerns and their impact on electrical grids and utility prices. Despite these challenges, SoftBank previously revealed plans for a data center in Ohio, which will be powered by a new 9.2 gigawatt natural gas plant.
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