New Data Center in France

EDF and OpCore (a joint venture between Iliad and InfraVia Capital Partners) have entered exclusive negotiations to build a €4 billion hyperscale data center in France on the site of EDF’s former coal-fired power plant in Montereau-Vallee-de-la-Seine. The facility would become one of Europe’s largest computing hubs, delivering several hundred megawatts of capacity and supporting the continent’s rising demand for AI and cloud computing. This project reflects a broader European trend of converting old power plant sites into digital infrastructure, benefiting from existing grid access and industrial land to minimize costs and speed up construction. French Economy Minister Roland Lescure called the investment a sign of France’s ambitions to become a major AI and digital power, while also supporting reindustrialization and job creation. The first phase of the center is expected to go live in 2027, supported by a fast-track grid connection program. The redevelopment will prioritize energy efficiency and high environmental standards. Key Criteriums 1. Investment & Partners • €4 billion hyperscale data center • Joint project between EDF and OpCore (Iliad + InfraVia JV) 2. Location • Site: Former EDF coal-fired plant in Montereau-Vallee-de-la-Seine • Plant originally shut down in 2004 3. Purpose & Impact • Designed to be one of Europe’s largest computing hubs • Capacity: Several hundred megawatts • Supports rising demand for AI compute and cloud infrastructure 4. Strategic Importance • Part of France’s plan to become a leading AI and digital power • Reuse of old industrial sites to speed deployment and reduce costs • Supports national goals of reindustrialization and job creation 5. Timeline • First phase set for 2027 • Leveraging France’s fast-track grid connection scheme 6. Environmental & Efficiency Focus • Redevelopment to follow high energy-efficiency and environmental standards