SoftBank Group plans to invest at least $52 billion in building a network of massive data centers across France, marking Europe's largest artificial-intelligence infrastructure project to date. The Japanese conglomerate's initial outlay of €45 billion targets sites in Dunkirk, Bosquel and Bouchain, with operations expected by 2031.

The investment could expand to €75 billion, delivering up to 5 gigawatts of computing capacity. Schneider Electric will partner with SoftBank to manufacture data center components near Dunkirk, leveraging the port city's infrastructure for the energy-intensive facilities.

French President Emmanuel Macron has championed data center development as part of France's strategy for tech independence. He argues the country's nuclear power network can fuel these facilities instead of exporting surplus electricity, positioning France as an AI hub competing with US and Chinese investments.

This move represents a significant shift in global AI infrastructure investment, with SoftBank betting heavily on European markets amid intensifying competition for technological supremacy. The timing ahead of Macron's investment conference signals France's aggressive push to attract major tech capital.