EDF and OpCore, a joint venture between iliad Group and funds managed by InfraVia Capital Partners, have entered into exclusive negotiations with a view to developing a data center of several hundred megawatts on the site of the former Montereau-Vallée-de-la-Seine thermal power plant, located in the municipalities of Vernou-La-Celle-sur-Seine and La Grande-Paroisse (wider Paris metropolitan region). This project represents an investment by OpCore of approximately 4 billion euros.
A project aligned with EDF’s strategy to support digital companies in developing new data centers in France
This project is part of the call for expressions of interest launched by EDF on March 3, 2025, aimed at promoting the establishment of very high-power data centers on sites it owns. These sites have been specifically prepared to accommodate such strategic infrastructures. As France’s third-largest industrial landowner, EDF offers sites and support for accelerated connection to the electricity grid, enabling optimal project implementation timelines.
OpCore, a leading French actor in digital infrastructure
OpCore has been designing, building and operating data centers for over 20 years. Leveraging its operational and technological expertise and with the backing of the iliad Group and InfraVia, the company is well equipped to deliver this large-scale project successfully. It is particularly recognized for its innovative solutions aimed at optimizing the energy efficiency and sustainability of its infrastructures.
Rehabilitation of a historic industrial site and environmental exemplarity
After several decades of operation, the EDF coal-fired power plant in Montereau-Vallée-de-la-Seine was permanently shut down in 2004. By choosing to rehabilitate this historic industrial site, EDF and OpCore are helping to restore economic activity, create local jobs and generate value for the local community, all while limiting the environmental impact of the project.
Conducted in close collaboration with the territory and by mobilizing a mainly European supply chain, the project will aim for environmental exemplarity: energy sobriety, optimization of flows, local integration, contribution to the circular economy.
A strategic computing center for digital sovereignty and the AI sector
With a capacity of several hundred megawatts, the site will host one of Europe’s largest computing centers.
The facility will serve as a cornerstone for the development of a French and European sector of excellence in artificial intelligence, enhancing the continent’s digital sovereignty.
Accelerated timeline and substantial local benefits
Supported by EDF and the French State’s "fast-track" grid connection system for strategic intensive computing projects, the center is scheduled for initial commissioning in 2027.
The project will lead to the creation of several hundred direct and indirect jobs.
Roland Lescure, French Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Digital and Industrial Sovereignty, said:
“This massive investment proves how France intends to lead the AI revolution. By housing such large strategic facilities on our soil, we’re reiterating our determination to reindustrialize our country, create regional employment and make France a major digital power.”
Anne Le Henanff, French Minister Delegate in charge of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, said: “I’m delighted with this announcement that marks a major step forward for our national digital strategy, on the same day that the first edition of the “Choose France - Edition France” convention is being held. This €4 billion investment reflects the goal we set ourselves at the AI Action Summit in Paris last February, namely making it a priority to build data centers on French soil. With this large-scale project led by EDF and OpCore, whose commitment I find commendable, France is confirming its ability to host data centers that are among the most powerful in Europe. We are clearly demonstrating how we have the assets to make France a global driver of artificial intelligence. And we are proving that French and European digital sovereignty, which I decided would be the guiding thread of my ministerial work, is not an empty promise but instead a combat that is within our reach of winning.”
Bernard Fontana, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDF said: “This partnership with OpCore is aligned with EDF’s mission: to provide actors in the digital sector with abundant, reliable, low-carbon electricity produced in France. By offering sites equipped with the necessary infrastructure and support for rapid grid connection, we are accelerating the development of next-generation infrastructure, thereby strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty while supporting the economic momentum of the local area.”
Thomas Reynaud, Chief Executive Officer of the iliad Group, said: “With this project we’re going much further than just building a data center. We’re creating one of the largest strategic facilities that France and Europe as a whole need to retain control of their digital destiny. Thanks to EDF’s commitment and support from the public authorities, the Montereau will become a site of excellence as an AI computing center and for European innovation. This marks a key step towards strengthening our technological sovereignty and generating sustainable value for our country.”
Vincent Levita, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of InfraVia Capital Partners, said: “At a time when data is becoming a sovereign asset, energy is its foundation. This strategic partnership with EDF highlights OpCore’s strength, the recognition of its industrial expertise, and its ambition to become a leading hyperscale data-center player in Europe. Fast access to abundant, decarbonized energy is essential to deploy large-scale infrastructure, from hyperscale campuses to gigafactories.”