SoftBank Group has committed up to €75 billion to develop a 5GW AI data center capacity in France, its largest investment in AI infrastructure in Europe.
The pledge was announced at the 2026 Choose France summit in Paris, where President Emmanuel Macron secured commitments for tens of billions in foreign investment. SoftBank cited France’s low-carbon network, industrial land and engineering talent as key factors behind its selection.
Phased construction across the Hauts-de-France region
The first phase covers €45 billion to provide 3.1 GW of capacity across three sites in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. SoftBank plans to add more sites across France The program extends towards the full target of 5 GW, working with SB Energy and other strategic development partners.
SoftBank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son framed the move as part of a broader global infrastructure drive. Linking this step to the next stage of artificial intelligence.
“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…France is uniquely positioned to become a leading hub for AI infrastructure in Europe.”
sonChairman and CEO of SoftBank Group
This announcement extends to SoftBank’s aggressive artificial intelligence Investment boost. This comes after the company moved away from blockchain and signaled an expanded strategy for AI projects in recent quarters.
Key industrial partners join SoftBank’s AI expansion
SoftBank will co-develop an industrial cluster with Schneider Electric in the port of Dunkirk. The site will include two facilities. SoftBank will operate one to produce data center containers.
Schneider Electric will operate the other to assemble the power modules. The two companies aim to build a more local and flexible supply chain for AI devices across France and Europe.
EDF will support the Bouchain data center site by supplying low-carbon electricity from repurposed former industrial assets. As AI energy consumption projections continue to rise, access to sovereign clean energy is becoming a critical advantage. This is especially true for European Data center markets.
SoftBank expects the program to generate thousands of jobs in engineering, robotics, energy systems and operations. The company will also establish research partnerships with local universities and training institutions.
with Funding for artificial intelligence projects reaches $242 billion In the first quarter of 2026 alone, in Europe Building artificial intelligence infrastructure He moves fast. France is preparing early to consolidate computing power on the continent.
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