Tokyo, Japan, June 1: In a meeting following French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Tokyo, SoftBank’s CEO, Masayoshi Son, met with the president to formalize plans for AI infrastructure with an investment of 45 billion euros in France to develop AI infrastructure in France.
The talks held today centered on using France’s nuclear-powered energy to support data centers and encourage technology expansion.
French company Schneider Electric will partner on the project, showing how international collaboration can shape AI development.
Addressing the media, Son said they will invest 75 billion euros for the AI data center. President Macron called this deal historic; let's take a look.
On May 30, SoftBank Group Corp. announced its commitment to develop and operate 5 GW of AI data center capacity in France, representing an investment of up to €75 billion.
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The first phase, comprising an initial €45 billion investment to deliver 3.1 GW of AI data center capacity in the Hauts-de-France region, is part of the 2026 Choose France summit hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.
Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO, SoftBank Group Corp., said:
“AI is entering a new era, and the countries that build the infrastructure for this transformation will shape the future of technology, industry and society,” said Masayoshi Son. “SoftBank is proud to make this major commitment to France. With its industrial capabilities, talent base and national ambition, France is uniquely positioned to become a leading AI infrastructure hub in Europe.”
According to the company, the first phase includes plans to deliver 3.1 GW of AI data center capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031, with data centers in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel and Bouchain.
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SoftBank Group also plans to develop additional sites across France, reinforcing the country’s role as a leading European hub for next-generation digital infrastructure. SoftBank Group will work with SB Energy and other strategic partners to develop the projects.
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