Dutch company Nebius is setting up

the first AI data center in the Hauts-de-France region

AI cloud specialist Nebius is planning to deploy a 240-MW computing infrastructure in Béthune, on the former Bridgestone site, in partnership with Azur Datacenter. A strategic project for the Hauts-de-France region, which further confirms the region’s growing role in hosting the digital infrastructure needed for the development of artificial intelligence.

Published on 10.06.2026

Artificial intelligence revolves around models, data, and applications. But in practical terms, it also depends on the infrastructure that can provide the computing power needed for its development. Behind the progress made in generative AI, industrial automation, and advanced analytics applications, one challenge has become central: having adequate data centers that are highly connected, capable of rapidly scaling up capacity, and energy-efficient.

This is the context for the project led by Nebius in the Hauts-de-France region. Nebius, an international group specialized in cloud infrastructure for artificial intelligence, is developing a major new facility in Béthune in partnership with Azur Datacenter on a repurposed industrial site.

An infrastructure designed
to meet the evolving needs of AI

The Béthune project responds to a profound shift in the market. Artificial intelligence applications require ever-increasing computing power, in particular for training, hosting, and running complex models. These needs come with strict requirements regarding availability, power capacity, cooling, safety, and commissioning timelines.

With an announced target capacity of 240 MW, the Béthune site is set to become a major AI infrastructure hub in France and Europe. The deployment is expected to take place in phases, starting with an initial capacity of around 27 MW, followed by a gradual increase to 120 MW in 2026, and eventually reaching 240 MW by 2027 or 2028. This strategy stems from an industrial approach: moving forward in stages, securing the necessary capacity, and adapting the project’s pace to both operational needs and energy constraints.

In the AI infrastructure sector, execution speed is becoming a key factor in competitiveness. A region’s ability to quickly support the transformation of an existing site, mobilize networks, and coordinate public and private stakeholders is becoming a decisive factor.

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Béthune, a symbol of an industrial transition
to the digital age

The choice of the former Bridgestone site in Béthune gives the project special significance. This is not a development on a greenfield site, but rather the conversion of an iconic industrial site into a new generation of economic activities.

This transformation illustrates one of the key trends in the Hauts-de-France region: repurposing existing industrial sites to accommodate projects related to technological transitions. Following in the footsteps of batteries, the circular economy, decarbonization, and the industry of the future, digital infrastructure is now enriching this transformation journey.

For an AI data center project, an industrial site offers several advantages:

available space,
access to networks,
an established technical infrastructure,
a local culture of large-scale projects,
the ability to engage local stakeholders.

In Béthune, the presence of existing energy facilities is one of the key factors that will enable the initial phases of the project to get underway and facilitate its ramp-up.

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Energy: A key challenge
for AI data centers

For this type of infrastructure, energy is a crucial factor. An AI data center is more than just a building filled with servers: it requires a significant amount of available power, secure connectivity, and an energy strategy that aligns with the site’s future needs.

In particular, the project relies on a significant supply of electrical power, which is essential for the initial launch and gradual expansion of the infrastructure. The proximity of a natural gas network is also seen as an additional factor that can help support certain phases of ramp-up while the facility moves toward the targeted full electrical capacity.

The technical details of how these complementary energy solutions will work are yet to be finalized, but they already highlight a key point: access to energy is becoming a strategic location criterion for next-generation digital infrastructure.

This factor provides a competitive advantage for the Hauts-de-France region. As an industrial region, a hub for infrastructure, and an energy crossroads, it boasts sites and networks that are sure to attract AI players, with their ever-growing needs. For data centers, energy capacity is becoming just as critical a factor as land, connectivity, and proximity to markets.

🔎 Explore the strengths of the energy sector in Hauts-de-France

A value chain to be structured,
skills to be strengthened

In addition to infrastructure, the project also raises questions about skills. The arrival of an AI data center of this scale requires the mobilization of specialized expertise at the intersection of industry, digital technology, and energy.

Server operations, electrical maintenance, technical supervision, cooling, cybersecurity, networking, and energy management: these activities require specialized professionals and hybrid skills. Some training programs already exist, but the needs associated with AI infrastructure call for a gradual expansion of the training pathways and expertise that are available locally.

For the Hauts-de-France region, the challenge is therefore twofold: to host a strategic infrastructure and support the emergence of the industries that will keep it running. This HR aspect opens up opportunities for collaboration between companies, training providers, regional institutions, and tech ecosystems. As AI infrastructure projects expand, the ability to train talent locally will become a key factor in attracting talent in its own right.

Nord France Invest: helping
to make the project possible

As is often the case with large-scale projects, success depends on coordination. In this project, Nord France Invest is acting as a facilitator, specifically to support discussions with network operators and local stakeholders regarding energy issues.

This intermediary role is essential in complex projects. It involves bringing the right stakeholders to the table, facilitating discussions, helping businesses understand the local ecosystem, and creating the conditions for effective dialogue among public, private, and technical partners.

The involvement of the Region, French government agencies, Business France, the Béthune Bruay Artois Lys Romane Urban Community, and the relevant operators is a clear example of this collective approach. It does not replace technical, regulatory, or energy-related procedures, but it helps ensure that the project proceeds under the best possible conditions and that key stages are carried out safely.

For a project like Nebius, this kind of support is crucial. It reflects the Hauts-de-France region’s ability to support business projects where energy, land use, innovation, and timelines are closely intertwined.

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A new step toward making the Hauts-de-France Region
more attractive to the AI industry

With this project in Béthune, the Hauts-de-France region is reaffirming its commitment to the major infrastructure projects that are essential for economic transitions. AI is not limited to algorithms: it requires computing power, suitable sites, energy, expertise, and strong regional coordination.

🔎 Why choose the Hauts-de-France region to develop your AI infrastructure?

The Nebius-Azur Datacenter project is a prime example of this convergence. It combines industrial restructuring, digital infrastructure, increased energy capacity, and the development of a new value chain. It also shows that industrial regions can play a major role in the next phase of artificial intelligence development.

The next steps will focus on scaling up the site’s capacity, finalizing the operational schedule, securing the necessary expertise, and coordinating with energy sector stakeholders. For the Hauts-de-France region, this project is more than just a new facility: it sends a strong signal about the region’s ability to transform its industrial heritage into a strategic advantage for the digital economy.