Paris, France — May 30/31, 2026 — Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp. has announced one of Europe’s largest-ever AI infrastructure investments: an initial €45 billion commitment over the next five years to build AI data centers in France, with the potential to scale up to €75 billion ($87 billion) for a total of 5 GW of computing capacity.
This ambitious project positions France as a leading European hub for artificial intelligence infrastructure, leveraging the country’s reliable low-carbon energy grid, industrial capabilities, and skilled workforce.
Project Details and Timeline
The first phase focuses on the Hauts-de-France region in northern France, targeting 3.1 GW of AI data center capacity by 2031. Key initial sites include:
- Dunkirk (Loon-Plage) — Major site with industrial partnerships.
- Bosquel — A 1 GW AI data center campus developed in joint venture with Sesterce.
- Bouchain — Repurposing a former EDF power plant site.
Additional sites across France are planned in subsequent phases to reach the full 5 GW target.
The investment will be formally highlighted at President Emmanuel Macron’s annual Choose France investment summit.
Strategic Partnerships
SoftBank is collaborating with several prominent French and international partners:
- Schneider Electric: Key partner for the Dunkirk site, developing a large-scale industrial production cluster at the Port of Dunkirk. This includes facilities for manufacturing enclosures and integrating data center power modules, combining robotics, automation, and local supply chains.
- EDF (Électricité de France): Involved in the Bouchain project, providing competitive, sovereign, and low-carbon electricity.
- Sesterce: Joint venture for the 1 GW Bosquel campus.
- SB Energy and RTE: Supporting development and grid connections.
These partnerships emphasize localized manufacturing, energy efficiency, and sustainability, aiming to build a resilient European supply chain for AI infrastructure.
Quotes from Key Leaders
Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp.:
“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. 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.”
Roland Lescure, French Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy & Digital Sovereignty:
“SoftBank’s decision… is testament to President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to position France as a leading destination all along the AI value chain.”
Economic and Social Impact
The project is expected to create thousands of high-skilled jobs in data center operations, engineering, energy systems, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. It also includes plans for regional R&D partnerships with universities and training institutions.
For the Bosquel site specifically, around 400 long-term skilled roles are anticipated, plus a €10 million endowment fund to promote AI adoption in local businesses, schools, and communities, along with a new community center.
Broader Context
This move aligns with SoftBank’s global AI push, including significant investments in OpenAI. It also supports France and Europe’s goals for technological sovereignty and competitiveness in the AI race against the US and China. France’s strengths in nuclear and renewable energy production make it particularly attractive for power-hungry data centers.
Masayoshi Son highlighted France’s energy advantages as “absolutely decisive” for such investments.
Significance for vFuture Media Audience
This announcement represents a pivotal moment for the future of AI infrastructure in Europe. By anchoring massive compute capacity, advanced manufacturing, and skills development in France, SoftBank and its partners are not only addressing the exploding demand for AI training and inference but also fostering long-term industrial renewal in regions like Hauts-de-France.
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, projects like this could reshape Europe’s digital landscape, boost economic growth, and strengthen strategic autonomy in critical technologies.
Sources: Official SoftBank Group announcements, Reuters, and other verified reports (May 30-31, 2026).
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