tech
SoftBank is investing €75 billion to build 5 gigawatts of AI data centres in France. It's Son's biggest European bet.
SoftBank will invest up to €75B ($87B) for 5 GW of AI data centres in France. The first phase delivers 3.1 GW by 2031 for €45B.
TL;DR
- SoftBank will invest up to €75 billion ($87 billion) in France to build 5 gigawatts of AI data centre capacity.
- This represents SoftBank's largest AI infrastructure commitment in Europe.
- The first phase includes €45 billion to deliver 3.1 gigawatts across three sites in Hauts-de-France by 2031.
- Schneider Electric is a strategic partner for the Dunkirk site, creating a hub for AI infrastructure and robotics manufacturing.
- The deal was influenced by personal diplomacy between SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- France's nuclear-powered energy grid provides a low-carbon advantage for data centres compared to other European countries and SoftBank's US projects.
- The investment validates France's 'sovereign AI' policy, aiming to build independent data and technology infrastructure.