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The French government has organized its first Data Center Meetings, revealing 26 secured sites, including five 'fast track' projects with a combined capacity of 28.6 GW. Minister Anne Le Hénanff announced that these sites are essential for AI development.

The five fast track sites have a potential electrical connection exceeding 700 MW, with pre-reservations made for each site. Notably, the Grand Port Maritime de Dunkerque is a new addition, while two sites, Bosquel and Dunkerque, are in the attribution process.

The government is working with 52 companies to facilitate these projects. Additionally, the announcement highlights a query regarding 5.8 GW secured by a single site, raising concerns about its feasibility.

Four key areas for accelerating project implementation include electrical connections, environmental standards, community relations, and fostering a sovereign value chain. In Bordeaux, a proposed 400 MW data center and supercomputer project is under discussion, aiming for partial operation by 2028, with a focus on renewable energy usage.