SoftBank Announces Investment of Up to 75 Billion Euros in AI Data Centers in France

Paris – 31.05.2026: The Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank has announced an investment of up to 75 billion euros in the expansion of AI data centers in France. This investment aims to strengthen European AI infrastructure and position France as a leading center for artificial intelligence in Europe.

The first phase of the project includes an investment of 45 billion euros to provide data center capacity of 3.1 gigawatts in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. These data centers will be built in the cities of Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain. Additionally, SoftBank plans to develop further sites throughout France to reinforce the country’s role as a leading European hub for digital infrastructure.

SoftBank will collaborate with the French company Schneider Electric on this major project. Together, they intend to establish a production cluster for AI infrastructure and robotics at the port of Dunkirk. This partnership aims to strengthen the European supply chain for AI infrastructure and create jobs in the region.

The French government welcomes the investment and views it as confirmation of its ambition to position France as a leading player in the field of artificial intelligence. Economy Minister Roland Lescure emphasized that SoftBank’s decision to invest massively in AI data centers in France reflects the country’s strengths, including a reliable power grid, a strong digital and industrial ecosystem, and a skilled workforce.

This SoftBank investment represents a significant step in developing AI infrastructure in Europe and underscores France’s strategic importance in the global competition for AI technologies. By expanding data center capacities, France will be able to meet the growing demand for high-performance computing power for AI applications and further strengthen its position as a leading center for artificial intelligence.

The collaboration between SoftBank and Schneider Electric will not only drive technological development but also contribute to creating numerous jobs in the region. Combining SoftBank’s expertise in AI infrastructure with Schneider Electric’s experience in industrial manufacturing will lay a strong foundation for the future development of the AI industry in France.

In recent months, the French government has repeatedly reaffirmed its goal to take one of the world’s leading positions in the field of artificial intelligence. With support from investments like SoftBank’s, this goal is becoming increasingly attainable. Building robust AI infrastructure is crucial to securing France’s competitiveness in the digital economy and paving the way for future innovations.

Overall, SoftBank’s investment marks a milestone in the development of AI infrastructure in France and offers numerous opportunities for technological innovation and economic growth in the country.