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Plans are underway to build Japan's largest artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Akita Prefecture, backed by investments from nations including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Nikkei reported on August 6.
According to the report, the U.S. startup Bitgrit and the Japanese IT-related firm S-Two are pushing forward with the construction of a data center in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, aiming to become operational in the early 2030s.
The construction cost is projected to reach around 2 trillion yen (approx. 18 trillion won), with discussions currently underway for investment from the UAE.
Shihab Alfahim, the UAE Ambassador to Japan, is scheduled to visit Akita Prefecture in mid-August to meet with Akita Governor Suzuki Kenta and Akita Mayor Numaya Jun to discuss matters including the construction of the AI data center.
Ambassador Alfahim told the Nikkei that the UAE's Mubadala sovereign wealth fund is in talks regarding the investment.
It is reported that the UAE's investment scale could potentially reach up to 1 trillion yen (approx. 9 trillion won).
Once completed, the data center is expected to have a total receiving capacity of up to 500 megawatts (MW), making it the largest in Japan upon completion.
In addition, Japanese telecommunications companies, general contractors, and energy firms are planning to participate in the construction and operation of the facility.
Akita Prefecture is considered a promising location for Japan's largest data center because it is recognized as a leader in renewable energy, such as wind power, within Japan.
Large-scale data centers consume massive amounts of power, making a stable supply the most crucial challenge. Akita Prefecture's offshore wind power is estimated at over 2 million kilowatts (kW) across four maritime areas within the prefecture.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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