Japanese tech investor SoftBank, led by founder Masayoshi Son, has announced plans to invest 75 billion euros ($87.5 billion) in artificial intelligence infrastructure in France, marking what Son described as the largest investment in Europe related to AI infrastructure to date [1]. The investment includes 45 billion euros to be spent by 2031 on data centers in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France [1]. French electrics giant Schneider will partner with SoftBank on this project, with Schneider's CEO Olivier Blum calling it 'a significant partnership, a major project, the largest ever undertaken in France' in the sector [1].
The project will dramatically expand France's data center capacity. According to Blum, France currently has about 1.5 gigawatts of installed data center capacity as of the end of 2025, and the new initiative will add an initial phase of 3.0 gigawatts, followed by a second phase that could reach up to 5.0 gigawatts [1]. The first three data centers are planned for Dunkirk and near the northern cities of Cambrai and Amiens, with Schneider participating in the design and supply of all equipment and building a factory at the channel port of Dunkirk [1].
This announcement is seen as a major boost to President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to attract high-tech industries to France, especially as he prepares to host an international investment conference at Versailles palace [1]. Son stated that his decision was influenced by France's status as an energy exporter, which is crucial for energy-intensive data center operations, and by Macron's strong personal commitment to France's economic success [1]. Son also noted that SoftBank's investments have previously been concentrated in the United States, Japan, and Asia [1].
France has identified 35 venues ready to provide the necessary energy and infrastructure for data centers, and Macron has emphasized the importance of Europe not falling behind the United States and China in AI development [1]. Son acknowledged the challenge of catching up with the United States in innovation and stressed the need for Europe to find a balance between innovation and regulation [1].
CONCLUSION
SoftBank's $87.5 billion investment in French AI infrastructure, in partnership with Schneider, represents a significant commitment to expanding Europe's technological capabilities. The project is expected to substantially increase France's data center capacity and aligns with President Macron's strategy to position France as a leader in high-tech industries. This move signals strong confidence in France's energy resources and regulatory environment for AI development.