Microsoft and Amazon will invest tens of billions of Norwegian kroner in data centers and infrastructure in France.
Microsoft intends to invest 4 billion euros, or approximately 47 billion Norwegian kroner, to develop data centers in France. The US data giant announced on Sunday that the centers will boost the company's investments in artificial intelligence and cloud storage.
Microsoft President Brad Smith told Agence France-Presse that this is the company's largest investment ever in France. Microsoft entered the French market 41 years ago.
“France’s long-term commitment to zero-carbon energy markets, as well as the country’s position as an important leader in Europe, explain our decision,” says Smith.
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Most of France's energy supply is based on nuclear energy, which accounts for about 70 percent of consumption. Hydropower represents about 10 percent.
A new data center is planned to be built in eastern France, while existing data centers in the Paris region and Marseille will be expanded.
Earlier on Sunday, Amazon announced an investment of more than 1.2 billion euros, or 14 billion Norwegian kroner, in France. The Amazon project will create more than 3,000 new jobs, according to the announcement. The company will invest in developing cloud storage, artificial intelligence, and logistics infrastructure for parcel delivery services.
Microsoft is also investing heavily in Asia. At the end of April, the company announced that it would invest $1.7 billion, an amount equivalent to more than 18 billion kroner, in artificial intelligence and cloud storage in Indonesia.
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