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Orange, in collaboration with New Zealand investor Morrison, announces a major project for the development of data centers in France. With a budget of three billion euros, the French operator plans to significantly increase its capacity, thus highlighting the strategic importance of digital sovereignty in Europe.
Imagine a world where digital sovereignty becomes a fundamental pillar of the European economy. This is exactly what Orange proposes with its bold data center project in France, in partnership with Morrison. As the demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, discover how this project could transform the French and European digital landscape.
Key takeaways
Orange partners with Morrison, a New Zealand-based infrastructure asset manager. This partnership allows Orange to combine its operational expertise with Morrison’s financial experience to strengthen its presence in the European data center market.
Together, they have signed an exclusivity agreement, the first step towards the realization of this joint venture. This collaboration aims to combine Morrison’s financial resources and Orange’s technological expertise to build a network of data centers capable of meeting the growing needs for digital sovereignty.
With a target of 400 megawatts, the Orange and Morrison project represents a major advancement in the data center sector in France. Currently, the combined power of French data centers amounts to 800 megawatts, highlighting the scale of the initiative aimed by Orange.
This expansion would not only support the growing demand for digital infrastructure but also strengthen France’s position as a European leader in digital sovereignty. The use of decarbonized electricity is an additional asset that could attract other international players to the territory.
The implementation of this project requires overcoming several logistical and regulatory challenges. Connecting the data centers to the high and very high voltage network represents a major challenge, requiring the laying of underground cables and the extension of existing electrical infrastructure.
Regulatory approvals and consultation with employee representative bodies are also crucial steps to be completed before operations begin, scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Beyond its immediate impact, this project could play a key role in the digital transformation of French businesses. By offering reliable and secure hosting and colocation solutions, Orange and Morrison could promote increased adoption of digital technologies among SMEs and large companies.
Thanks to robust infrastructure and exclusive distribution provided by Orange Business, the project could also stimulate innovation and competitiveness of local businesses in the global market.
Digital sovereignty has become a major issue for Europe, especially in the face of the dominance of American tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Initiatives such as that of Orange and Morrison aim to strengthen the continent’s technological independence and offer local alternatives to businesses and governments.
Players like Deutsche Telekom in Germany and OVHcloud in France have also committed to developing sovereign cloud solutions, highlighting the importance of these initiatives for the future of the European digital economy.
What distinguishes this project from Orange’s previous initiatives?
Unlike previous projects like Cloudwatt and Bleu, which focused on cloud and software services, this project focuses on the physical infrastructure of data centers, with particular attention to energy capacity and digital sovereignty.
What is Morrison’s role in this partnership?
Morrison brings its expertise in infrastructure asset management and significant capital to support the development of data centers. This partnership allows combining Morrison’s financial strengths with Orange’s operational expertise.
How does this project influence European digital sovereignty?
By developing data centers in France, this project contributes to strengthening Europe’s technological independence, offering local alternatives to the solutions of global tech giants and addressing digital sovereignty concerns.
What are the main challenges of the project?
The main challenges include connections to high voltage electrical networks, obtaining regulatory approvals, and managing consultation with employee representative bodies before the planned launch in 2027.