SoftBank Plans €75 Billion Investment for AI Data Centres Across France

SoftBank Group has revealed plans to invest up to €75 billion (about $87 billion) in expanding AI data centre infrastructure across France, making it the company’s largest AI infrastructure commitment in Europe.

The project aims to develop up to 5 gigawatts of additional data centre capacity. The first phase includes facilities in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain, which are expected to deliver 3.1 gigawatts of capacity to the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.

SoftBank, an investor in and customer of OpenAI, said the investment is intended to support growing demand for AI computing power and cloud infrastructure.

French economic minister Roland Lescure welcomed the announcement, calling it a sign of France’s ambition to become a leading hub for AI development and innovation.

The investment comes as demand for AI infrastructure continues to rise worldwide. At the same time, large-scale data centre projects have faced criticism in some regions over concerns about energy consumption, environmental impact, and strain on electricity grids.

SoftBank has continued expanding its global AI infrastructure strategy, including previously announced plans for a major data centre project in Ohio.