tech

SoftBank says it will invest up to €75 billion to build French data centers

The goal, the firm said, is to develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of additional data center capacity.

SoftBank says it will invest up to €75 billion to build French data centers

TL;DR

  • SoftBank Group plans to invest up to €75 billion in France.
  • The investment aims to develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of additional data center capacity.
  • The first phase includes data centers in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain, targeting 3.1 gigawatts by 2031.
  • This is SoftBank's largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe.
  • French Economic Minister Roland Lescure views this as a strategic move for France in the AI value chain.
  • The investment occurs amidst opposition to data centers in the U.S. due to environmental and grid concerns.