SoftBank Group has announced a major expansion into artificial intelligence infrastructure, committing 45 billion euros (about $53 billion) to build AI data centers in France over the next five years.
The investment is part of a larger 75 billion-euro program aimed at developing around 5 gigawatts of AI computing capacity in the country. The project marks one of SoftBank’s biggest infrastructure efforts in Europe so far.
The company revealed that the first phase will focus on building 3.1 gigawatts of data center capacity in northern France by 2031. Key locations include Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, areas expected to become central hubs for AI computing infrastructure.
SoftBank said the project is designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for artificial intelligence by increasing access to high-performance computing power in Europe. The company also confirmed plans to work with French engineering group Schneider Electric to support the construction of a large industrial production cluster in Dunkirk.
The announcement comes shortly after SoftBank surpassed Toyota to become Japan’s most valuable company by market capitalization, according to market data. The company’s stock has also surged significantly in 2026, rising more than 70% this year as investors bet heavily on AI-related growth.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son confirmed the broader 75 billion-euro plan during a briefing with French President Emmanuel Macron. He suggested the total impact of the project could reach as high as $750 billion when including related system-level investments and infrastructure expansion.
Son said the company is pooling financing for the project and already has major cloud computing clients lined up. He added that SoftBank is expanding similar AI infrastructure efforts in the United States and wants France to become a key AI hub in Europe.
He also warned that global competition in AI is accelerating quickly, pointing to the United States and China as leaders in the space. According to him, Europe must scale up rapidly or risk falling behind in the global technology race.
SoftBank’s AI strategy is closely tied to its investments in companies like Arm Holdings and OpenAI. Arm’s chip designs are widely used in AI data centers, while SoftBank has invested tens of billions into OpenAI, with reported gains increasing significantly in recent years.
However, Europe’s high energy costs remain a major challenge for large-scale data center projects. Rising electricity prices have raised concerns about where future infrastructure will be built, with some experts warning that AI facilities may shift toward regions with cheaper power.
Despite these challenges, SoftBank’s latest move signals a strong push to position France as a central hub in the global AI infrastructure race.
.avif)
