Fluidstack to build €10bn AI supercomputer in France, positioning the country as a global AI hub

Fluidstack, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) cloud platform, has announced a partnership with the French government to construct one of the world’s largest decarbonized AI supercomputers. The ambitious project, revealed at the AI Action Summit in Paris, will be powered by clean nuclear energy, positioning France as a key player in the global AI landscape.

This strategic move is set to reinforce France’s role as a technological powerhouse, with an initial €10 billion (USD 10.36 billion) investment dedicated to establishing a cutting-edge data center designed to support next-generation AI models. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by key French government officials, including the Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Eric Lombard, the Minister for Industry and Energy, Marc Feracci, and Fluidstack’s co-founder and president, César Maklary.

Why is Fluidstack building an AI supercomputer in France?

Fluidstack’s decision to invest heavily in France is rooted in the country’s unique combination of technological expertise, energy infrastructure, and government support. Founded in 2017 at Oxford University, Fluidstack has rapidly grown into a major force in AI cloud computing, powering platforms like Mistral, Character.AI, Poolside, and Black Forest Labs. With over 100,000 GPUs under management, the company enables rapid access to high-performance exa-scale computing—essential for multi-thousand GPU training and AI inference workloads.

France’s energy landscape played a significant role in securing the deal. The country’s abundant supply of nuclear energy offers a reliable, carbon-free power source, which aligns with Fluidstack’s commitment to sustainability. The new AI supercomputer will have a net-zero carbon footprint, leveraging decarbonized energy and advanced waste heat recovery systems to minimize environmental impact.

President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “France is the leading European country in artificial intelligence. Since 2017, we’ve trained talent, advanced research, and strengthened key sectors like healthcare, space, and defense. Our nuclear energy is safe, stable, and decarbonized—ideal for expanding our AI computing capabilities. This €10 billion agreement with Fluidstack reflects our ambition to remain at the forefront of global innovation.”

How will Fluidstack’s AI supercomputer impact France’s AI ecosystem?

The construction of Fluidstack’s AI supercomputer is expected to have a transformative effect on France’s AI ecosystem. The facility will initially deliver 1 gigawatt (GW) of dedicated AI compute power, with plans to scale beyond this capacity by 2028. This level of computing power will support the development of advanced AI models, including Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), positioning France as a global leader in AI research and development.

César Maklary, co-founder and president of Fluidstack, highlighted the project’s significance: “This partnership enables us to rapidly scale the infrastructure required for the next wave of AI innovations. Collaborating with the French government and industry leaders, we’re establishing the world’s most advanced computing capabilities right here in France. The country’s commitment to digital and energy sovereignty makes it the ideal location for this ambitious initiative.”

In addition to enhancing France’s technological capabilities, the project will create thousands of high-skilled jobs in AI research, data center infrastructure, and high-performance computing. This influx of talent and investment is expected to stimulate growth across multiple sectors, including healthcare, defense, and space technology.

What makes Fluidstack’s AI supercomputer sustainable?

Sustainability is at the core of Fluidstack’s AI supercomputer project. The facility will be exclusively powered by France’s decarbonized nuclear energy, ensuring a net-zero carbon footprint. Additionally, the design incorporates advanced waste heat recovery systems, which will improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

The partnership with Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE), France’s national electricity transmission operator, will play a critical role in the project’s sustainability strategy. RTE will ensure that the supercomputer is seamlessly integrated into France’s low-carbon energy grid, optimizing power distribution and supporting the country’s broader energy security goals.

By leveraging clean energy and innovative infrastructure, Fluidstack aims to set a new standard for sustainable AI computing, demonstrating that cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Can France become a global AI hub?

Fluidstack’s investment marks a pivotal moment in France’s journey to becoming a global AI hub. The combination of state-of-the-art infrastructure, abundant clean energy, and a supportive regulatory environment positions the country as a strong competitor alongside AI giants like the United States and China.

The French government’s strategic focus on AI development has already yielded significant results, with investments in talent development, research institutions, and key industries. Fluidstack’s AI supercomputer will accelerate these efforts, providing the computational power needed to support next-generation AI models and complex data processing tasks.

Experts believe that France’s commitment to decarbonized energy data solutions gives it a competitive edge in the global AI race. As countries grapple with the environmental impact of large-scale data centers, France’s ability to offer sustainable, high-performance computing could attract additional investments from global tech leaders.

What’s next for Fluidstack and France’s AI ambitions?

With Phase 1 of the project scheduled to be operational by 2026, Fluidstack and the French government are laying the groundwork for long-term growth in the AI sector. The facility’s scalable design will allow for future expansion, ensuring that France remains at the forefront of AI innovation for years to come.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, the demand for powerful, sustainable computing infrastructure will only increase. Fluidstack’s AI supercomputer represents a bold step toward meeting this demand, solidifying France’s role as a leader in the global AI landscape.