Data Center Nation Paris 26 Interview with Olivier Labbe

In this interview from DCN Paris, Olivier Labbé, President of VIA DC, discusses how developers and operators are approaching data center site selection and why thorough assessment is becoming increasingly important as demand grows. Olivier explores the key requirements for bringing a site to market, including technical due diligence, connectivity, power availability and permitting, as well as how AI, neocloud and cloud demand are changing expectations around location, scale and speed of delivery. The conversation also covers opportunities for brownfield development, France’s ambitions for AI infrastructure, European digital sovereignty and the growth potential of Africa’s data center market, including connectivity challenges and demand for local data storage. DCN Paris 2027 will examine the technologies, investment and infrastructure requirements shaping the next phase of the market. 23 February 2027 Palais des Congrès de Paris