SoftBank to Invest Up to €75 Billion in AI Data Centers in France
SoftBank plans up to €75 billion investment in French AI centers
Image: Fortune
SoftBank Group Corp. plans to invest up to €75 billion ($87 billion) in building AI data centers in France, aiming for 5 gigawatts of capacity. The initial phase involves a €45 billion investment in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031, reflecting a partnership between SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- 01SoftBank's first phase includes a €45 billion investment to deliver 3.1 gigawatts of AI data center capacity by 2031.
- 02The investment will focus on locations in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, enhancing France's position as a European AI hub.
- 03Schneider Electric SE will partner with SoftBank in Dunkirk to create a hub for AI infrastructure and robotics manufacturing.
- 04SoftBank's plans follow a larger $500 billion data center initiative in Ohio and a $500 billion Stargate project in collaboration with OpenAI.
- 05French President Emmanuel Macron has been a strong advocate for building AI infrastructure outside the US and China.
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SoftBank Group Corp. has announced plans to invest up to €75 billion (approximately $87 billion) in establishing artificial intelligence (AI) data centers across France, aiming to create a total capacity of 5 gigawatts. The initial investment phase involves €45 billion dedicated to achieving 3.1 gigawatts of capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. This commitment reflects a significant diplomatic engagement between SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son and French President Emmanuel Macron, who discussed the investment during Macron's visit to Japan. The project will include data centers in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, with Schneider Electric SE partnering in Dunkirk to develop a hub for AI infrastructure and robotics. This investment is part of SoftBank's broader strategy to expand its AI capabilities globally, following similar initiatives in the US. Macron's support for developing AI infrastructure outside the US and China underscores the importance of local control over technology and data.
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The investment will create jobs and enhance technological infrastructure in France.
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