SoftBank Commits €75 Billion to Build AI Data Centers in France

Massive European AI Infrastructure Push

SoftBank Group has announced plans to invest up to €75 billion (approximately $87 billion) to significantly expand data center capacity across France. The initiative aims to develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of additional computing infrastructure, positioning the country as a central hub for artificial intelligence workloads in Europe.

Project Scope and Regional Rollout

The first phase of the expansion will focus on three key locations: Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain. These facilities are slated to deliver 3.1 gigawatts of capacity to the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. The phased approach underscores a long-term commitment to scaling compute resources in line with projected AI demand.

Strategic Alignment and Government Support

SoftBank, which maintains both an investment stake and a customer relationship with OpenAI, described the French expansion as its largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe to date. The announcement has drawn strong backing from French officials. Economic Minister Roland Lescure praised the move as a “testament to President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to position France as a leading destination all along the AI value chain.”

Global Infrastructure Context

The investment arrives amid intensifying global competition for AI compute capacity and growing scrutiny over data center energy consumption. While the United States faces mounting opposition to new facilities over environmental impact and electrical grid strain, SoftBank continues to pursue aggressive expansion strategies globally. The company recently outlined plans for a data center in Ohio, which would be powered by a dedicated 9.2 gigawatt natural gas plant. The French project, however, highlights a strategic pivot toward European markets, where regulatory frameworks and energy policies are increasingly tailored to support sustainable, large-scale AI development.