SoftBank Bets Big on AI: €75 Billion to Build Massive French Data Hub
SoftBank Group has dedicated up to €75 billion to develop 5 gigawatts of synthetic intelligence information middle capability in France, its largest AI infrastructure funding in Europe.
The pledge was introduced on the 2026 Choose France summit in Paris, the place President Emmanuel Macron secured commitments of tens of billions in overseas funding. SoftBank cited France’s low-carbon grid, industrial land, and engineering expertise as main elements behind its choice.
A Phased Buildout Across Hauts-de-France
The first section covers €45 billion to ship 3.1 GW of capability throughout three websites within the Hauts-de-France area by 2031. SoftBank plans to add additional areas throughout France as this system extends towards the complete 5 GW goal, working with SB Energy and different strategic companions on improvement.
SoftBank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son framed the transfer as a part of a broader international infrastructure push. He linked the transfer to AI’s subsequent section.
“AI is getting into a brand new period, and the international locations that construct the infrastructure for this transformation will form the way forward for expertise, trade and society… France is uniquely positioned to develop into a number one AI infrastructure hub in Europe.”
Son, Chairman and CEO, SoftBank Group
The announcement extends SoftBank’s aggressive AI investment push. This comes after the agency pivoted away from blockchain and signaled an expanded AI enterprise technique in latest quarters.
Key Industrial Partners Join SoftBank’s AI Expansion
SoftBank will co-develop a producing cluster with Schneider Electric on the Port of Dunkirk. The website will home two services. SoftBank will function one to produce information middle enclosures.
Schneider Electric will run the opposite to assemble energy modules. Both corporations purpose to construct a extra localized and resilient provide chain for AI {hardware} throughout France and Europe.
EDF will assist the Bouchain information middle website by supplying low-carbon electrical energy from a repurposed former industrial asset. As projections for AI vitality consumption proceed to climb, entry to sovereign clear energy is turning into a decisive benefit. This is particularly true for European information middle markets.
SoftBank expects this system to generate hundreds of jobs in engineering, robotics, vitality programs, and operations. The firm may even set up analysis partnerships with native universities and coaching establishments.
With AI venture funding reaching $242 billion in Q1 2026 alone, Europe’s AI infrastructure buildout is transferring quick. France is positioning itself early to anchor the continent’s computing capability.
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