SoftBank’s €75 Billion Investment to Transform France into an AI Powerhouse
SoftBank Group has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest up to €75 billion (approximately $87 billion) in expanding data center capacity across France. This strategic initiative aims to develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of additional data center capacity, marking SoftBank’s most significant AI infrastructure investment in Europe to date.
Strategic Expansion in Hauts-de-France
The initial phase of this expansive project focuses on constructing data centers in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain. These facilities are projected to deliver 3.1 gigawatts of capacity to the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. This substantial investment underscores SoftBank’s commitment to bolstering France’s position in the global AI landscape.
Alignment with France’s AI Ambitions
French Economic Minister Roland Lescure lauded the announcement, stating it as a testament to President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to position France as a leading destination all along the AI value chain. This investment aligns with France’s broader strategy to become a hub for AI development and innovation, attracting global tech giants and fostering a robust AI ecosystem.
SoftBank’s AI Infrastructure Initiatives
SoftBank’s investment in France is part of a series of strategic moves to enhance its AI infrastructure globally. The company, both an investor in and customer of OpenAI, has been actively expanding its data center capabilities. In September 2025, OpenAI announced plans to build five new AI data centers across the United States in partnership with Oracle and SoftBank through the Stargate project. These centers aim to bring Stargate’s planned capacity to 7 gigawatts, sufficient to power over 5 million homes.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
While data center expansion is crucial for AI development, it often raises environmental concerns. In the United States, opposition to data center construction has intensified due to potential impacts on the electrical grid and utility prices. Despite these challenges, SoftBank announced plans in February 2026 to build a data center in Ohio, powered by a new 9.2 gigawatt natural gas plant. This project, with a price tag of $33 billion, is expected to be the largest power plant in the U.S., capable of powering around 7.5 million homes.
SoftBank’s Broader AI and Robotics Investments
Beyond data centers, SoftBank has been actively investing in AI and robotics. In January 2025, the company negotiated a $500 million investment in Skild AI, a startup developing foundational models for robotics. Additionally, in April 2026, SoftBank announced the creation of Roze AI, a company focused on automating data center construction using autonomous robots, with plans for a $100 billion IPO.
Implications for France’s AI Ecosystem
SoftBank’s substantial investment is poised to have a transformative impact on France’s AI ecosystem. By significantly increasing data center capacity, the initiative will provide the necessary infrastructure to support AI research, development, and deployment. This move is expected to attract other tech companies and startups to France, fostering innovation and creating job opportunities in the AI sector.
Conclusion
SoftBank’s €75 billion investment in French data centers represents a monumental step in the company’s global AI infrastructure strategy. By aligning with France’s ambitions to become a leader in the AI value chain, SoftBank is not only expanding its own capabilities but also contributing to the growth and development of the global AI ecosystem. This strategic move underscores the critical role of robust infrastructure in advancing AI technologies and highlights the importance of international collaboration in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
