SoftBank commits €75 billion to expand AI data centre capacity in France
The firm plans to deliver up to 5 gigawatts of new capacity, with the first phase targeting the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.
SoftBank Group has announced plans to invest up to €75 billion, approximately $87 billion, to develop and operate data centre capacity in France. The Japanese conglomerate described the initiative as its largest artificial intelligence infrastructure investment in Europe, aiming to deliver up to 5 gigawatts of additional power capacity.
The initial phase of the project involves constructing facilities in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain. These sites are located in the Hauts-de-France region, where the firm targets the delivery of 3.1 gigawatts of capacity by 2031. SoftBank, which serves as both an investor in and a customer of OpenAI, positioned the move as a significant expansion of its European footprint.
French Economic Minister Roland Lescure welcomed the announcement, describing it as a testament to President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to position France as a leading destination along the AI value chain. The investment aligns with the French government’s strategic goals to strengthen the nation’s standing in the global artificial intelligence sector.
The expansion contrasts with growing resistance to data centre construction in the United States, where opposition has intensified due to environmental concerns and impacts on the electrical grid and utility prices. Despite this domestic headwinds, SoftBank previously announced plans to build a data centre in Ohio, which will be powered by a new 9.2 gigawatt natural gas plant.
The scale of SoftBank’s commitment comes amidst a broader surge in institutional demand for AI infrastructure. This trend was highlighted earlier this year when Nebius Group reported a 684 per cent year-on-year revenue surge, securing major agreements with technology giants Meta and Microsoft.
While the €75 billion figure underscores the magnitude of the financial outlay, the source material does not provide granular details regarding the specific technological specifications of the facilities. It remains unclear whether the investment represents total committed capital, equity contributions, or a mix of debt financing.
