SoftBank plans 75 billion euro AI data center buildout in France
SoftBank plans to invest up to 75 billion euros in building AI data centers across France, aiming for 5 gigawatts of capacity by 2031. The initial phase, valued at 45 billion euros, will deliver 3.1 gigawatts in the Hauts-de-France region. This significant investment, SoftBank's largest in European AI infrastructure, leverages France's abundant nuclear power and existing grid infrastructure, contrasting with projects in the US that require dedicated energy generation. The company is partnering with French firms EDF and Schneider Electric for this initiative. AI
IMPACT Accelerates global AI compute capacity buildout, potentially influencing regional AI development and competition.