SoftBank just committed €45 billion, roughly $52 billion, to building AI data centers in northern France over the next five years. That makes it the largest AI infrastructure project Europe has ever seen, and it’s only phase one.
The investment will fund 3.1 gigawatts of data center capacity across multiple sites in the Hauts-de-France region. SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has been in talks with French President Emmanuel Macron since at least mid-May, reportedly discussing a potential total of $100 billion in French investments.
What SoftBank is actually building
The data centers will be spread across several locations, including Le Bosquel and Dunkirk, with the first facilities expected to come online by 2028. Full completion is targeted for 2031.
But the €45 billion figure is just the opening act. SoftBank’s total commitment stretches to €75 billion, approximately $87 billion, which would deliver 5 GW of capacity across additional sites including Bouchain.
