Brookfield commits €20 billion to AI and Data Center expansion in France

Brookfield Asset Management has announced a major €20 billion investment plan aimed at expanding artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and data center development in France. This strategic commitment marks one of the largest foreign investments in the French digital economy, reinforcing the country’s position as a key player in AI and cloud computing.

The investment will focus on the construction of new data centers equipped to handle the increasing demands of AI-driven applications, cloud storage, and high-performance computing. The initiative aligns with France’s ambition to become a European leader in AI and digital transformation, supported by government policies and funding aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancement.

“France has a rapidly growing digital ecosystem, and our investment will help strengthen the infrastructure needed to support AI and data-intensive industries,” said Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield. “This commitment underscores our confidence in France as a strategic hub for the future of AI and cloud services.”

The expansion project will be rolled out over the next decade, with Brookfield partnering with local technology firms, energy providers, and government bodies to ensure the sustainable development of data centers. A significant portion of the investment will be dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency and incorporating renewable energy sources, aligning with France’s carbon neutrality goals.

With AI adoption increasing across industries—from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and entertainment—demand for data center capacity has surged. France, with its skilled workforce, regulatory support, and strategic location, has positioned itself as an attractive destination for global technology investments.

The French government has welcomed Brookfield’s announcement, viewing it as a boost to economic growth, job creation, and digital innovation. “This investment will further strengthen France’s digital infrastructure and competitiveness in the global AI race,” said Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire. “We are committed to supporting initiatives that advance technological sovereignty while ensuring sustainability and security in the digital sector.”

Brookfield’s move follows similar investments from tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon Web Services, all of which have expanded their data center operations in Europe. As AI development accelerates, securing robust and energy-efficient data storage facilities has become a top priority for companies looking to scale their operations.

This €20 billion commitment signals not only Brookfield’s long-term confidence in the French market but also highlights France’s growing prominence as a European technology hub. The first phase of the expansion is expected to begin in late 2025, with the construction of multiple data centers across key strategic locations in the country.