SoftBank Group announces an investment of up to 75 billion euros for the construction of 5 GW of AI data center capacity in France. The first phase, valued at 45 billion euros, will start in the Hauts-de-France region and aims to strengthen France’s position as a European AI hub.
SoftBank Group has announced its largest European AI infrastructure project to date during the Choose France summit. The plans are aimed at supporting French digital sovereignty and strengthening the industrial base in the region.
The first phase focuses on the development of 3.1 GW of data center capacity by 2031, spread across locations in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain. SoftBank is collaborating with strategic partners such as SB Energy, EDF, and Schneider Electric for this project.
French government
The French government considers this investment a major step in realizing its ambition to play a central role in the European AI value chain. According to Roland Lescure, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, SoftBank’s choice underscores the strength of the French digital and industrial ecosystem. Last year, France introduced the largest AI data center campus in Europe near Paris.
Local partners, such as the Port of Dunkirk and the Dunkirk city council, also see SoftBank’s arrival as confirmation of the region’s appeal. In parallel, the port is developing a competitive bidding process for an ultra-modern data center, with which it aims to further strengthen its position as a digital hub.
Low-carbon electricity
SoftBank emphasizes that the data centers will be powered by low-carbon electricity supplied by EDF. This aligns with France’s sustainability ambitions and is intended to contribute to long-term value creation for local communities. Partners like Schneider Electric are being brought in for automation and robotic installations.