SoftBank Commits €75bn to French AI Data Centres, June 02

Japanese technology investor SoftBank announced plans to invest up to €75 billion in artificial intelligence data centre infrastructure across France. The initial €45 billion commitment will build 3.1 gigawatts of capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. The investment is part of a record €93 billion in foreign investment pledges at President Emmanuel Macron’s Choose France summit, expected to create over 15,600 jobs.

SoftBank’s Massive Commitment to French AI

SoftBank will invest €45 billion by 2031 to build three data centres in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain with combined capacity of 3.1 gigawatts. The project could expand to €75 billion and 5 gigawatts through additional sites elsewhere in France. CEO Masayoshi Son said the investment reflects France’s position as a producer and exporter of energy, a decisive factor in the decision. The investment marks SoftBank’s largest AI infrastructure commitment in Europe.

Record Investment Wave at Choose France Summit

France attracted €93 billion ($108 billion) in foreign investment pledges across 71 projects at the June 1 summit in Versailles. SoftBank’s commitment accounts for roughly half the total. Other major pledges include Brookfield increasing AI infrastructure investment to €30 billion and Salesforce pledging €2 billion for an EU AI Innovation Hub in Paris. The 71 projects are expected to create more than 15,600 jobs.

Why France Attracts AI Infrastructure Investment

France leverages its nuclear-powered electricity system and industrial capabilities to compete for AI workloads. The country’s reliable, decarbonised energy supply appeals to hyperscale data centre operators. SoftBank will partner with state-owned utility EDF and industrial supplier Schneider Electric. Macron said the investments position France as Europe’s leading data centre hub and a forward base for AI robot production.

SoftBank’s Global AI Expansion Strategy

SoftBank has invested over $30 billion in OpenAI, taking an 11% stake, and agreed to invest a further $30 billion in 2026. The company is also leading financing of the $500 billion Stargate project for US data centres. CEO Son said Europe must move fast to avoid falling behind the US and China in AI computing capacity. The France investment reflects SoftBank’s broader strategy to build AI infrastructure globally.

Final Thoughts

SoftBank’s €75 billion France commitment signals confidence in European AI infrastructure. With Meyka rating 9984.T a B+ and the stock up 15.2% to ¥8,632 over one day, the data points to strong momentum around the company’s AI strategy.

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