SoftBank and Macron: $100 Billion to Boost AI in France
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100 billion dollars for AI in France
In response to the growing demand for artificial intelligence, giant data centers are multiplying around the world. France could be one of the next beneficiaries of these massive investments. Last year, the United Arab Emirates announced their intention to invest between 30 and 50 billion dollars to build a data center in France with a computing capacity of up to 1 gigawatt.
Soon, Masayoshi Son, the founder of SoftBank, may make a major announcement in collaboration with Emmanuel Macron. According to sources reported by Bloomberg, Son is considering investing up to 100 billion dollars to develop computing infrastructure in France. This potential announcement stems from discussions between the French president and Son during a meeting in Tokyo. While the official confirmation of this project is expected soon, it is important to note that the exact amount of the investment may vary. Indeed, some sources specify that Son may choose to prioritize other projects, which could reduce the scale of the investment initially envisioned.
Such a project would have a considerable economic impact and highlight France's strengths, particularly its decarbonized energy from nuclear sources, which is a key factor for data centers.
AI Race: France has a card to play
France is already a dynamic player in the field of artificial intelligence, with innovative startups like Mistral AI, which is developing a European competitor to ChatGPT. In addition to its AI talent, France could also become a leader in hosting data centers.
By 2025, the French government had identified 35 sites across the country, totaling 1,200 hectares, that could host data centers. Among these sites, 15 could reach a capacity of 750 MW, and some could even host data centers with a capacity of 1 GW by 2028 to 2029.
The announcement of a data center project in France could be made as early as this May, following discussions between Emmanuel Macron and Masayoshi Son. With the possibility of a 100 billion dollar investment, France could not only strengthen its position in the AI sector but also become a major player in technological infrastructure.
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