Brookfield Asset Management has announced a landmark investment of €20 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure across France and Sweden. The move highlights the growing competition among European nations to establish themselves as leaders in digital technology and sustainable energy solutions.
Scale of the Investment
According to the company, funds will be allocated to the construction and modernization of data centers, energy systems, and telecommunications networks necessary to support AI infrastructure. The focus will be on:
- New data centers equipped with advanced, energy-efficient cooling systems,
- Integration of renewable energy sources into large-scale computing operations,
- Development of high-speed data transmission networks to power machine learning models,
- Building infrastructure capable of hosting the largest language and analytics models.
These investments are part of Brookfield’s global strategy to diversify its portfolio into digital infrastructure and renewable energy.
France: Focusing on “Green AI”
France has been pushing forward digital transformation and decarbonization efforts in recent years. The government in Paris sees Brookfield’s investment as a key tool to strengthen the country’s position in AI.
The planned data centers will run primarily on solar and wind power, reducing the carbon footprint of AI-driven operations and aligning with the EU’s climate objectives.
Sweden: Leveraging Renewable Energy
Sweden, with its strong base of hydropower and other renewable energy resources, is seen by Brookfield as a crucial long-term market. Data centers in the country will be directly integrated into sustainable energy grids, making them among the most environmentally friendly in Europe.
In addition, Sweden’s government has been actively supporting projects aimed at digitalization and green innovation, offering a favorable environment for large-scale investments.
Impact on Jobs and Economy
The project is expected to have a significant economic and social impact. Analysts estimate that it will create around 10,000 jobs in France and 6,000 jobs in Sweden, across construction, energy, and IT sectors.
Geopolitical Context
Brookfield’s decision also reflects the global race among the United States, Europe, and China to dominate AI technologies. Europe, in particular, is seeking to reduce dependency on American and Asian tech providers by promoting local infrastructure projects and international partnerships.
Broader Economic Implications
For Brookfield, the €20B investment strengthens its European footprint, boosts its long-term valuation, and enhances its reputation as a sustainability-focused investor.
For France and Sweden, the project promises increased tax revenues, job creation, and an accelerated path toward a robust AI-powered innovation ecosystem.
Comparisons with Other Investments
- In 2024, Google announced a €1.5B data center project in Finland.
- Microsoft invested approximately €3B in expanding its cloud infrastructure in Germany.
- By contrast, Brookfield’s €20B commitment dwarfs other European AI infrastructure investments to date.
Conclusion
Brookfield’s €20 billion investment in AI infrastructure across France and Sweden represents one of the largest technology projects in Europe. It underscores Europe’s ambition to lead in the digital economy while fostering green energy solutions and creating thousands of jobs.
For Brookfield, it is a strategic move that cements its role as a global player in infrastructure and sustainability. For Europe, it is a step toward closing the technology gap with the U.S. and Asia, while positioning itself as a hub for green and resilient AI development.
