SoftBank to spend up to $87 billion on French AI data centers — country offers ample nuclear grid that US sites lack

SoftBank Group is set to invest up to $87 billion in building AI data centers in France, with the first phase costing $52 billion and delivering 3.1GW by 2031. The partnership includes EDF and Schneider Electric, leveraging France's nuclear power grid for cost-effective energy supply. This move contrasts with SoftBank's U.S. plans, where it needs to build its own energy infrastructure for data centers. The French investment showcases the country's ability to host large-scale digital infrastructure on low-carbon electricity. The $87 billion commitment includes a $45 billion first phase, with additional sites planned for the future.