Google’s First Data Center in France to Open in Châteauroux
▼ Summary
– Google is in advanced discussions to acquire a 195-hectare plot in Châteauroux, France, for €58.5 million through its subsidiary Tricolore Computing.
– The project marks Google’s first potential data center construction in France, expanding its cloud infrastructure beyond leased or partner facilities.
– The site is part of France’s “sites clés en main” program, streamlining administrative processes for foreign investors in key industrial zones.
– Local officials, including Châteauroux’s mayor, see the project as a major economic opportunity, boosting jobs and positioning the region as a digital hub.
– The move reflects Google’s broader expansion in Europe, aiming to secure dedicated cloud infrastructure after a 2023 incident disrupted its Paris operations.
Google has set its sights on Châteauroux for its first-ever data center in France, marking a significant milestone in the company’s European expansion. The tech giant is in advanced discussions to acquire a 195-hectare plot in the Ozans business park, located east of the city. The deal, valued at €58.5 million, is pending approval by the Châteauroux Métropole community council and would be finalized through Google’s French subsidiary, Tricolore Computing.
The proposed facility represents more than just a data center, it could evolve into a full-fledged Google campus in the Indre region. A company spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the acquisition aligns with plans to expand its cloud infrastructure and data center footprint across France. Until now, Google has relied on leased facilities or partnerships rather than owning its own data centers in the country.
The chosen site isn’t accidental. It’s part of a French government initiative called “sites clés en main” (turnkey sites), which identifies 55 industrial zones ready to host large-scale infrastructure projects. This program streamlines administrative processes, making it easier for international companies to invest.
Local officials are enthusiastic about the potential economic boost. Gil Avérous, mayor of Châteauroux and president of the metropolitan area, called Google’s interest a “major vote of confidence.” He hopes the project will position the region as a hub for cutting-edge digital infrastructure, particularly in artificial intelligence.
While still in the planning phase, the data center, potentially designed as a campus, would be developed in stages. The Indre prefecture and departmental council highlighted the expected benefits, including job creation and economic growth during both construction and operation.
This move reflects a broader trend among cloud giants expanding their European presence. Google launched a Paris cloud region in 2022, but it relies on third-party facilities like those of Global Switch. A 2023 incident, a water leak followed by a fire, disrupted part of Google’s Paris infrastructure, exposing vulnerabilities in its current setup.
By securing its own site in Châteauroux, Google aims to strengthen its cloud hosting capabilities in France. The location could become a pivotal node in the company’s European digital infrastructure network, ensuring greater reliability and scalability for its services.
(Source: JDG)
