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

SoftBank commits up to $87 billion to build five gigawatts of AI data center capacity in France. A first phase of $52 billion delivers 3.1GW in Hauts-de-France by 2031, spanning Dunkirk's Loon-Plage, Bosquel, and Bouchain. The project involves EDF and Schneider Electric, with SoftBank and President Macron finalizing it at the Choose France summit. France provides 70% nuclear power, exports electricity, and charges industrial rates half of the UK's. SoftBank sees France's energy supply as 'absolutely decisive' for AI infrastructure.