EDF Selects SoftBank and Eclairion to Develop 730MW AI Data Center Projects at Former French Power Stations
June 2, 2026
EDF Selects SoftBank and Eclairion to Develop 730MW AI Data Center Projects at Former French Power Stations
French energy giant EDF has selected Japanese conglomerate SoftBank and French infrastructure firm Eclairion to develop a series of AI-focused data center projects across France, with a combined capacity of 730 megawatts. The initiative marks a significant step in repurposing former fossil fuel power station sites for high-density digital infrastructure, as demand for AI computing surges across Europe.
The projects will be located at decommissioned power station sites in France, leveraging existing grid connections and industrial land to accelerate deployment. EDF, SoftBank, and Eclairion will collaborate on the development, with SoftBank bringing its expertise in AI infrastructure investment and Eclairion contributing local project execution capabilities. The total capacity of 730MW underscores the scale of energy required to power next-generation AI workloads, which demand far more electricity than traditional cloud computing.
This partnership reflects a broader trend of energy companies and technology investors teaming up to repurpose legacy energy assets for the digital economy. By converting former power stations into AI data center campuses, the project reduces the environmental and regulatory hurdles typically associated with greenfield developments. The initiative also aligns with France’s national strategy to become a European hub for AI and cloud infrastructure, supported by low-carbon nuclear and renewable energy sources.
Industry analysts note that the 730MW capacity places this among the largest AI data center projects in Europe, signaling the scale of investment needed to meet growing demand from hyperscale cloud providers and AI model training. The redevelopment of former power stations also highlights the potential for circular economy approaches in the data center sector, turning retired energy infrastructure into high-value digital assets.
Source: datacenterdynamics
