SoftBank Announces €75 Billion AI Data Center Plan in France

SoftBank Group has announced a major investment plan to develop and operate 5 GW of AI data center capacity in France, with a total commitment of up to €75 billion [1]. The initiative, disclosed during the 2026 Choose France summit, represents the company's largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe to date [1, 2].

Key takeaways

• SoftBank plans to invest up to €75 billion to develop 5 GW of AI data center capacity across France [1, 2].
• The initial phase, costing €45 billion, aims to establish 3.1 GW of capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031 [1, 2].
• A joint venture with French infrastructure company Sesterce will dedicate 1 GW of capacity to a site in Bosquel [2].
• The project includes a €10 million fund to support local schools, businesses, and community organizations with AI integration [2].

Strategic expansion into French infrastructure

The project is designed to bolster France’s position as a leading AI infrastructure hub in Europe, leveraging the country's industrial capabilities and talent base [1, 2]. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son highlighted France’s abundance of low-carbon nuclear power as a primary driver for the investment [2]. French President Emmanuel Macron has actively promoted the country’s potential for such projects, citing the availability of industrial land and government support, including streamlined permitting processes for AI developments [2].

The first phase of the rollout will focus on the Hauts-de-France region, with specific sites identified in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain [2]. In addition to the broader infrastructure buildout, the partnership with Sesterce includes a community-focused initiative, providing €10 million to help local entities navigate and utilize AI technologies [2]. While this project marks a significant expansion for SoftBank in Europe, the company is also involved in other global AI infrastructure efforts, including a 10 GW project in Ohio, a 5 GW project in Abu Dhabi, and contributions to OpenAI’s Project Stargate in Texas [2].

Why it matters

This investment aligns with broader European Union efforts to foster home-grown digital infrastructure and decrease reliance on major U.S. technology firms [2]. Roland Lescure, France's Minister for Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty, stated that the government supports the investment for its potential to create jobs, strengthen national digital infrastructure, and contribute to the country's goal of digital sovereignty [2]. As AI demand continues to grow, the project serves as a test case for whether France’s energy and industrial policies can successfully support large-scale, power-intensive computing requirements [2].