SoftBank has pledged to invest up to 75 billion euros in a vast network of artificial intelligence computing centers in France, underpinning what would become Europe’s largest data center project, as the region tries to catch up with the US and China in AI infrastructure, the FT writes. The commitment represents the largest investment in AI by Masayoshi Son’s group outside the United States and gives Emmanuel Macron a boost ahead of next week’s Choose France event, the annual gathering that brings together investors and CEOs. The deal was quickly hammered out after Macron and Son had dinner together in Tokyo in early April, according to people familiar with the discussions. During the meeting, the French president promoted France’s advantages: abundant nuclear power and accelerated approvals for AI facilities. You may also be interested: «SoftBank is proud to make this major commitment to France,» said Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s founder and chief executive. «Through its industrial capabilities, talent base and national ambition, France is uniquely positioned to become a major AI infrastructure hub in Europe.» However, Europe lags far behind the US, China and the Middle East in building the huge data centers that technology leaders believe will be needed to support the explosive demand for AI computing power. Investments tend to go to regions that offer lower energy costs, faster grid connections, and more permissive building, data, and emissions regulations. SoftBank’s initial commitment calls for leading a €45 billion investment to build 3.1 gigawatts of capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031, with another 2 GW to be added later. One of the main facilities, located in Dunkirk, will be developed by SoftBank in partnership with Schneider Electric to create a hub dedicated to AI infrastructure and robotics manufacturing, in a location considered ideal for serving customers in London, Brussels and Amsterdam. If completed, the entire 5 GW complex — equivalent to the output of five nuclear power plants or roughly the maximum electricity consumption of New York City — would bring SoftBank’s total investment to about 75 billion euros ($87 billion).
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