DeepSeek's AI Ambitions Drive Data Center Capacity Demand, Says Brookfield

As the AI revolution continues to gain momentum, the demand for data center capacity is soaring. One of the key drivers behind this surge is the emergence of advanced AI models like DeepSeek, which require significant computational resources and energy to train and deploy. In response to this growing need, Brookfield Asset Management has announced a €20 billion infrastructure investment program in France to support AI infrastructure deployment by 2030.

Brookfield's investment will be targeted across data centers and associated infrastructure sectors, which are vital for AI deployment. Up to €15 billion of data center investment will be led by Brookfield's portfolio company, Data4, one of Europe's largest data center developers headquartered in Paris. Data4 has existing plans to build over 500 MW of data center capacity located across several regions in France, with an ambition to triple that by 2030 as part of today's announcement. With this, France is projected to be the single largest market for Data4 in Europe.

The investment of a further €5 billion is planned by Brookfield in France across associated AI infrastructure such as data transfer, chip storage, and energy generation. The total €20 billion investment is projected to be delivered by 2030.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared, "The €20 billion investment by Brookfield, notably through Data4, will allow France to remain in the race alongside major AI players. This investment demonstrates France's attractiveness. We have the knowledge, the talents, and the decarbonized energy needed to accelerate in AI. We must not slow down, the world is accelerating. This is a battle for independence."

Sikander Rashid, Head of Europe, Brookfield, added, "We believe France has the potential to play a pivotal role in the global advancement of AI. To achieve European leadership, it is essential to invest proactively in the infrastructure that powers AI services, particularly in data and associated infrastructure. Our €20 billion investment program represents a significant step toward this ambition, laying the foundation for France to compete on the global stage. We are excited to collaborate with stakeholders across France and are looking to expand our investment in data centers to an even greater scale in the future."

The increasing demand for data center capacity, driven by AI models like DeepSeek, is a clear indication of the growing importance of AI in various industries. As AI continues to advance, the need for more powerful and efficient data centers will only increase. Brookfield's investment in France is a testament to the potential of AI and the importance of investing in the infrastructure that supports it.

In conclusion, the emergence of advanced AI models like DeepSeek is driving the demand for data center capacity, with Brookfield's €20 billion investment in France being a prime example of the growing importance of AI infrastructure. As AI continues to advance, the need for more powerful and efficient data centers will only increase, making investments in data center infrastructure a crucial factor in the global AI race.