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

SoftBank says it will invest up to €75 billion, about $87 billion, to develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of new data center capacity in France. The first phase targets Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, delivering 3.1 gigawatts to the Hauts-de-France region by 2031 as part of its largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe.

The deal strengthens France’s push to become a major AI hub and shows how hyperscale computing demand is driving massive energy-linked infrastructure bets. It also highlights a widening divide between regions courting data centers for economic growth and communities raising concerns about power grids and environmental impact.

The goal, the firm said, is to develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of additional data center capacity.