Brookfield, a leading Canadian investment fund, will invest €20 billion in France by 2030, primarily to develop AI-focused data centers, according to sources confirming reports from La Tribune Dimanche. This move follows France’s growing push to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure.
The announcement comes on the sidelines of the Paris AI Summit, where world leaders and tech executives have gathered to discuss AI advancements. The investment also complements a recent commitment from the UAE, which will fund Europe’s largest AI data center in France, valued at between €30-50 billion.
Major Data Center Development in Cambrai
Brookfield’s largest project in France will be a 1-gigawatt data center in Cambrai, making it one of the most powerful in Europe. The total €20 billion investment includes:
- €15 billion for new data centers, with Cambrai as a flagship project.
- €5 billion for supporting infrastructure, such as energy production, to power these data-intensive facilities.
The French presidency and Brookfield CEO Bruce Flatt finalized the deal on January 31, marking a significant step for France’s AI and tech ecosystem.
France Expanding Data Center Capacity
France currently ranks sixth globally in hosting data centers, behind the United States, Germany, the UK, China, and Canada. To further its AI and digital transformation goals, the government has identified 35 ready-to-use sites across 1,200 hectares to host new data centers.
Minister for AI Clara Chappaz confirmed that specific locations will be disclosed early next week, as part of a broader effort to attract AI and tech investments.
The Paris AI Summit, running until Tuesday, has already sparked major investment announcements, with more expected at the "business day" event at Station F, France’s largest startup incubator.
