SoftBank to Build 5 GW of AI Data Centres in France

France is set to host one of Europe’s largest AI infrastructure programmes, as SoftBank Group commits to develop and operate 5 GW of AI data centre capacity nationwide. 

The plan, valued at up to €75bn (US$87bn), will scale high-performance computing infrastructure for AI developers, cloud providers, enterprises, public institutions and research organisations.

At the heart of the programme is an initial €45bn (US$52bn) investment delivering 3.1 GW of capacity in the Hauts-de-France region.

The first sites are planned for Dunkirk, France. Additional locations include Bosquel, France and Bouchain, France, with delivery targeted for 2031.

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

Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO at SoftBank Group, 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.”

Policy backing and power strategy

France’s Government has prioritised leadership across the AI value chain, from research and development to infrastructure deployment.

Roland Lescure, Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty of France, says: “By partnering with leading French companies EDF on the Bouchain data centre, and Schneider Electric for a robotised 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 central to hyperscale and AI facilities. Électricité de France (EDF) is involved in the Bouchain development, where access to electricity infrastructure supports the project’s requirements.

Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO, 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’s industrial role

Dunkirk will play a pivotal role in the programme’s build-out and manufacturing footprint.

SoftBank is establishing an industrial partnership with Schneider Electric at the Port of Dunkirk to support deployment through local manufacturing and integration capabilities.

The planned industrial cluster will comprise two facilities. One, operated by SoftBank Group, will manufacture enclosures, while Schneider Electric will operate a facility focused on integrating data centre power modules.

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

Manufacturing, supply chain and skills

The programme extends beyond construction to strengthen supply chains and develop the skilled workforce required for next-generation AI infrastructure.

SoftBank and Schneider Electric say the Dunkirk cluster will help localise and reinforce supply chains in France and across Europe, enabling faster deployment with greater scalability and energy efficiency.

Olivier Blum, CEO, 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 also plans partnerships with universities, engineering schools and training institutions to support research, development and skills programmes aligned to future AI infrastructure needs.