SoftBank Group is making a major investment in European AI infrastructure, with plans to develop up to 5 gigawatts of data center capacity in France. The investment could reach approximately $81 billion, with an initial phase of about $48.7 billion aimed at delivering 3.1 GW by 2031. The announcement was made at the Choose France summit, highlighting France’s ambition to become a leading AI hub.
SoftBank Group has announced a massive commitment to develop and operate AI data center capacity in France. The plan involves building up to 5 gigawatts of capacity, with a total potential investment reaching around $81 billion.
An initial investment of approximately $48.7 billion will fund the project’s first phase. This phase aims to deliver 3.1 GW of AI data center capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.
The facilities are planned for Bosquel, Bouchain, and Dunkirk, with additional sites under consideration. The announcement was made at the Choose France summit, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.
The investment is intended to meet surging demand for high-performance computing. It will expand access to computing power for AI companies, enterprises, cloud providers, and public institutions.
In an official release, SoftBank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son commented on the strategic move. “AI is entering a new era, and the countries that build the infrastructure for this transformation will shape the future of technology, industry and society,” said Son.
He further stated, “SoftBank is proud to make this major commitment to France. With its industrial capabilities, talent base and national ambition, France is uniquely positioned to become a leading AI infrastructure hub in Europe.”
The initiative underscores the critical need for advanced computing infrastructure. SoftBank also stated the project will create thousands of high-skilled jobs in engineering, operations, and advanced manufacturing.
