SoftBank says it will invest up to €75 billion to build French data centers

SoftBank plans to invest up to €75 billion in French data centers, targeting as much as 5 gigawatts of capacity.

The first phase focuses on sites in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, with 3.1 gigawatts planned in Hauts-de-France by 2031.

The project would rank among Europe’s biggest AI infrastructure bets and significantly expand France’s computing capacity.

It could boost regional development while also raising questions about energy demand and AI data center competition.