Inside SoftBank's US$87bn AI Infrastructure Plans for France

France is set for one of Europe’s largest AI infrastructure programmes as SoftBank Group has committed to developing and operating 5GW of AI data centre capacity across the country.

The initiative, which is worth up to €75bn (US$87bn), focuses on a major expansion of high-performance computing infrastructure designed to support growing demand from AI developers, cloud providers, enterprises, public institutions and research organisations.

At the heart of the announcement is an initial €45bn (US$52bn) investment that will deliver 3.1GW of AI data centre capacity in the Hauts-de-France region.

The first sites are planned for Dunkirk, Bosquel and Bouchain, with delivery aimed for 2031.

The investment forms part of the 2026 Choose France summit hosted by President Emmanuel Macron and represents SoftBank Group’s largest AI infrastructure commitment in Europe.

Speaking about the project, Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO, SoftBank Group Corp, says: “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.”

Building AI capacity at scale

As demand for AI workloads continues to grow, access to large-scale compute infrastructure is becoming more important.

SoftBank’s programme is designed to expand that capacity while making use of France’s existing strengths in power infrastructure, industrial land and engineering expertise.

The company says it also plans to develop additional locations beyond the first phase, strengthening France’s position within Europe’s digital infrastructure landscape.

Government support is a key part of the initiative, as France has sought to establish itself across the AI value chain, from research and development to infrastructure deployment.

Roland Lescure, Minister of Economy, Finance, & Industrial, Energy, & Digital Sovereignty of France, says: “By partnering with leading French companies EDF on the Bouchain data centre, and Schneider Electric for a robotized plant, SoftBank displays a long-term commitment to building the future of an industry-centric AI in France.

“We are proud to support an investment that creates jobs, strengthens our digital infrastructure and contributes to our goal of digital sovereignty.”

Power availability is another major factor for hyperscale and AI facilities.

EDF is involved in the Bouchain development, where access to electricity infrastructure supports the project’s requirements.

Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of EDF, says: “The project selected for the Bouchain site demonstrates France’s ability to host large-scale digital infrastructure, supported by competitive, sovereign and low-carbon electricity.

“It reflects EDF’s commitment to selecting projects that combine industrial excellence, high environmental standards and long-term value creation for local communities, while giving a new purpose to its former industrial sites.”

Dunkirk as a focal point

The location of Dunkirk is expected to play a key role in the programme.

Alongside the planned data centre developments, SoftBank is establishing an industrial partnership with Schneider Electric at the Port of Dunkirk.

The collaboration aims to support the deployment of AI infrastructure through local manufacturing and integration capabilities.

The planned industrial cluster will include two facilities. One will manufacture enclosures under SoftBank Group’s operation, while Schneider Electric will operate a facility focused on integrating data centre power modules.

The project combines SoftBank’s robotics and automation capabilities with Schneider Electric’s expertise in energy technologies and industrial systems.

Local stakeholders view the development as an important step in Dunkirk’s wider digital economy ambitions.

Manufacturing, skills and supply chains

Beyond data centre construction, the programme focuses on supply chain development and workforce growth.

SoftBank and Schneider Electric say the Dunkirk cluster will help create a more localised and resilient supply chain for data centre infrastructure in France and across Europe.

The facilities are intended to support faster deployment of next-generation AI data centres while improving scalability and energy efficiency.

Olivier Blum, the CEO of Schneider Electric, says: "The challenge of AI is to deliver both speed and energy efficiency at scale – and Schneider Electric’s role is to enable and accelerate this transformation as the energy technology partner.

"By connecting energy and AI, we provide the electrical and digital backbone that makes high-performance, efficient and sustainable infrastructure possible.

"Our prefabricated power modules are a key lever to combine speed, scalability and energy optimisation.

"Together with SoftBank, we are proud to contribute to a major investment strengthening France as a leading European hub for next-generation digital infrastructure."

The wider investment is expected to create thousands of jobs across engineering, data centre development, energy systems, robotics, operations, maintenance and advanced manufacturing.

SoftBank is also planning partnerships with universities, engineering schools and training institutions to support research, development and skills programmes linked to future AI infrastructure requirements.