SoftBank said it plans to lead an investment of €45 billion (£39bn) to build 3.1 gigawatts of AI computing capacity in the northern French region of Hauts-de-France by 2031, with a further 2 GW planned, as part of a broader plan of AI-related investments in the country.
The plans are a boost to French president Emmanuel Macron’s initiative to turn France into a hub for AI infrastructure, ahead of an election in less than a year’s time in which he is barred from running again.
One of the main facilities in Dunkirk will involve a partnership with Schneider Electric to create a hub including robotics manufacturing, with geographic proximity to London, Brussels and Amsterdam.
Regional AI hub
The full 5 GW complex would take SoftBank’s total investment to €75bn, if the plans proceed as envisioned.
