Following a call for expressions of interest (EOI) regarding the former Bouchain thermal power plant site in France, EDF today announces that it has selected SoftBank Group as its preferred bidder (“Preferred Bidder No. 1”) for the design, construction and operation of a large-scale 400 MW data center under a construction lease.
The selection process was based on the project’s technical, legal and financial robustness, as well as its alignment with the site’s characteristics and associated environmental requirements. EDF also paid particular attention to the project’s ability to integrate sustainably in the local environment.
The planned development on the Bouchain site highlights France’s strong positioning as a host for next-generation digital infrastructure. With access to competitive, sovereign and low-carbon electricity, combined with the availability of industrial land offering favorable grid connection conditions, France provides significant advantages to support the continued growth of the digital economy.
A due diligence phase is now underway, during which the project sponsor will carry out the technical, environmental and administrative studies required to move the project forward. A preliminary construction lease agreement will be signed by the two parties during this phase, with the final lease to be executed upon receipt of the necessary authorizations.
This project forms part of EDF’s broader strategy to repurpose selected former industrial sites capable of rapidly accommodating large-scale, power-intensive developments. These sites benefit from advantageous access to the electricity transmission network, helping to accelerate project delivery timelines.
Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of EDF, said:
“The project selected for the Bouchain site demonstrates France’s ability to host large-scale digital infrastructure, supported by competitive, sovereign and low-carbon electricity. It reflects EDF’s commitment to selecting projects that combine industrial excellence, high environmental standards and long-term value creation for local communities, while giving a new purpose to its former industrial sites.”