France is set to host one of Europe’s largest next-generation computing hubs after EDF and OpCore confirmed plans to build a $4.3 billion (€4 billion) high-power data center near Paris. The project, unveiled on November 17, 2025, is designed to dramatically expand the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) capacity and accelerate its digital transformation strategy.
Strategic Location
The facility will be developed on the site of EDF’s former coal-fired thermal power plant in Montereau-Vallée-de-la-Seine, southeast of Paris. The redevelopment leverages existing grid connections and industrial infrastructure, enabling rapid deployment of several hundred megawatts of computing power. EDF emphasized that the project aligns with its broader program to repurpose retired energy sites into low-carbon digital infrastructure.
Partnership Details
OpCore — a joint venture between Iliad Group and InfraVia Capital Partners — will provide the bulk of the investment, estimated at €4 billion ($4.3 billion). EDF will contribute its expertise in energy management and grid integration, ensuring the data center operates with low-carbon electricity. Together, the partners aim to position France as a European leader in AI and cloud computing capacity.
National AI Ambitions
The announcement comes as France accelerates its fast-track infrastructure strategy to support AI research, industrial modernization, and digital competitiveness. Economy Minister Roland Lescure hailed the project as a cornerstone of France’s ambition to become a hub for responsible AI innovation, noting that access to high-power computing is critical for both public and private sector development.
Broader Context
Europe has faced growing pressure to match the scale of AI infrastructure investments in the United States and China. By converting legacy energy sites into hyperscale data centers, France is seeking to bridge the gap in computing capacity while advancing its climate commitments. Analysts say the Montereau project could become a model for sustainable digital transformation, combining industrial renewal with cutting-edge technology.
Outlook
Construction is expected to begin following regulatory approvals, with the site projected to deliver up to 700 MW of authorized grid capacity. Once operational, the campus will serve as a strategic backbone for AI workloads, cloud services, and advanced research, reinforcing France’s role in Europe’s digital future.
Sources: EDF Press Release, ESG News, ESG Investing, Energy News, DC Pulse.
