UK-based AI cloud provider Fluidstack has signed a memorandum of understanding with the French government to construct one of the world’s largest decarbonised AI supercomputers in France. Meanwhile, utility EDF has identified four sites on its own land that it will offer for data centres.
Announced at the AI Action Summit in Paris, under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron, the memorandum of understanding was signed by the French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Eric Lombard, the French Minister for Industry and Energy, Marc Feracci, and Fluidstack co-founder and President, César Maklary.
With strong interest already secured from its financial partners, Fluidstack’s Phase 1 of the project will be supported by an initial investment of EUR10 billion (USD10 billion) and is set to become operational in 2026. The facility’s Phase 1 will ultimately host about 500,000 next-generation AI chips.
“The new facility will leverage France’s abundant, carbon-free, and predominantly nuclear energy to provide up to 1 gigawatt of dedicated AI compute power, reinforcing the country’s leadership in AI infrastructure, energy security, and digital sovereignty,” Fluidstack said. “Designed for scalable expansion beyond 1 GW by 2028, this project positions France as a premier global AI hub, offering unparalleled compute capacity for next-generation AI models.”
It added: “Fluidstack and the French government recognise that AI’s future hinges on three core pillars: energy, compute power, and AI models. By leveraging France’s nuclear assets, the advanced grid infrastructure enabled by [grid operator] RTE, leading AI talent, and cutting-edge compute technologies, this partnership will establish France amongst the world’s top three AI hubs alongside the United States and China.”
“We have a role to play because our nuclear energy is controllable, safe, stable, and decarbonised – ideal for expanding our AI computing capabilities,” Macron said. “This EUR10 billion agreement with Fluidstack embodies my ambition. We must not slow down because the world is accelerating and the battle for innovation is happening now.”
Maklary added: “This partnership allows us to rapidly develop the infrastructure needed to support the next wave of AI innovations. Partnering with the French government and global industry leaders, we are creating the most advanced computing capabilities in the world – right here in France. France’s commitment to digital and energy sovereignty makes it the ideal location for such an ambitious project, and I very am proud to be playing a key part in this initiative.”
EDF offers sites
EDF announced the upcoming launch of a call for expressions of interest for digital companies, with the objective of providing these companies with access to suitable sites for developing new data centres in France.
By launching this call for expressions of interest, EDF said it aims to highlight one of the key advantages that France offers for the installation of data centers – “access to low-carbon electricity, at competitive prices, and available at all times”.
Providing ready-to-use land spaces connected to the electrical grid will reduce the time needed to complete projects by several years, EDF said.
EDF has pre-identified four industrial sites on its own land, with a total available power estimated at 2 GW. The identification of land spaces continues with the goal of selecting two additional sites by 2026, it noted.
“In France, thanks to EDF and its mix mainly composed of nuclear and renewables, our electricity is abundant, competitive, and low-carbon,” said Stéphane Raison, EDF’s director in charge of the installation of large consumption sites. “This is a major asset to attract players in the digital sector whose electricity needs are linked to the development of Artificial Intelligence. EDF offers concrete solutions to companies wishing to set up in France with the aim of accelerating the time needed to complete their projects.”
Source: World Nuclear News
