SoftBank Commits Up to €75 Billion to Build Massive Data Center Network in France

SoftBank Group announced on May 30, 2026, that it plans to invest up to €75 billion (approximately $87 billion) to expand data center capacity in France, marking one of the largest single infrastructure commitments by the Japanese conglomerate in Europe. The company aims to develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of additional data center capacity, with the first phase targeting 3.1 gigawatts in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.

Strategic Sites and Timeline

The initial phase of the plan involves building data centers in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain. These three locations are expected to deliver 3.1 gigawatts of capacity to the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. SoftBank, which is both an investor in and customer of OpenAI, described this as its largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe to date. The selection of sites in northern France leverages existing industrial zones and energy infrastructure, as well as proximity to submarine cable landing points for transatlantic connectivity.

Government Support and Policy Context

French Economic Minister Roland Lescure welcomed the announcement, calling it a “testament to President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to position France as a leading destination all along the AI value chain.” The French government has actively courted large-scale technology investments through streamlined permitting, energy pricing incentives, and a national AI strategy that includes support for data center development. This investment aligns with France’s broader push to attract AI-related industries, from chip design to cloud services.

Environmental and Grid Concerns

The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of data center energy consumption globally. In the United States, opposition to data center construction has intensified over environmental concerns, strain on electrical grids, and rising utility prices for residential customers. SoftBank earlier announced plans to build a data center in Ohio powered by a new 9.2 gigawatt natural gas plant, a project that has drawn criticism from environmental groups. In France, the company will need to navigate the country’s carbon reduction targets and its reliance on nuclear power, which provides low-carbon electricity but also raises questions about long-term grid capacity and cooling water usage.

Why This Matters

This investment signals SoftBank’s deepening commitment to AI infrastructure at a time when global demand for compute capacity is surging. For France, the project could accelerate its position in the AI value chain, creating jobs, attracting further investment, and strengthening digital sovereignty. For the broader industry, it highlights the escalating scale of capital required to build next-generation AI data centers and the growing tension between rapid infrastructure expansion and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

SoftBank’s €75 billion pledge to build data centers in France represents a major bet on European AI infrastructure. With the first phase targeting 3.1 gigawatts by 2031, the project will test the balance between industrial ambition, grid capacity, and environmental commitments. As governments worldwide grapple with the implications of AI-driven energy demand, this investment will be closely watched by policymakers, industry players, and environmental advocates alike.

FAQs

Q1: How much is SoftBank investing in French data centers?
SoftBank plans to invest up to €75 billion (about $87 billion) to develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of data center capacity in France.

Q2: Where will the first data centers be built?
The first phase includes sites in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain, all in the Hauts-de-France region, targeting 3.1 gigawatts of capacity by 2031.

Q3: Why is this investment significant for France?
It supports France’s ambition to become a leader in AI infrastructure, creating jobs and attracting further technology investment, while also testing the country’s ability to balance industrial growth with environmental goals.