Big Tech's AI ambitions pose a major power test for Europe

SoftBank to spend up to $87 billion on French AI data centers — country offers ample nuclear grid that US…

SoftBank will invest up to €75B ($87B) to build 5GW of AI data center capacity across France, with a firm €45B first phase delivering 3.1GW in Hauts-de-France by 2031, partnering with EDF and Schneider Electric. France's nuclear grid — 70% of its power mix, cheapest industrial rates in Europe — lets SoftBank skip the $33B gas plant it needs for its equivalent Ohio buildout, making energy-sovereign markets a decisive variable in hyperscale infrastructure siting decisions.