Four firms unite to cut AI data centre energy use across Japan

Four Japanese companies have launched a partnership to provide a one-stop consulting service for sustainable digital infrastructure, addressing the escalating energy consumption and environmental impact of data centres driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.

The collaboration was announced on at the beginning of this month, and brings together start-up consulting firm Regenerative Infrastructure Inc. (R11i), architectural design firm Nikken Sekkei Ltd., renewable energy developer Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation, and energy solutions provider NTT Anode Energy Corporation.

The proliferation of generative AI is projected to cause a dramatic surge in data centre electricity demand. According to a report by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, this could rise to 24 billion kWh annually by 2030 and 500 billion kWh by 2050 if energy efficiency does not improve. The 2050 figure is approximately 1.2 times the energy consumed by all non-residential buildings in Japan.

Furthermore, about 85% of the nation’s data centres are concentrated in the Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas, creating significant vulnerability to large-scale disasters such as the anticipated Nankai Trough earthquake. Many existing facilities are also ageing and operate with poor energy efficiency, yet comprehensive upgrades have been slow.

The new partnership integrates the core competencies of each company to offer a holistic solution. The service will guide clients through the entire data centre lifecycle, from business planning and site selection to design, construction and operation. Nikken Sekkei provides architectural and engineering expertise, R11i offers data centre management and technical knowledge, Eurus Energy contributes its experience in renewable energy, and NTT Anode Energy leverages its connections and expertise in telecommunications and power procurement.

One of the main goals is to significantly improve energy performance. The consortium aims to design and operate data centres with a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.1 to 1.2. This is a substantial improvement on the national average of approximately 1.6 and surpasses the Japanese government’s target for operators to achieve an average PUE below 1.4 by 2030. This efficiency will be achieved by implementing advanced technologies such as liquid cooling systems and AI-controlled air conditioning.

The service also promotes decarbonisation and regional revitalisation by encouraging the development of data centres in areas with high renewable energy potential, such as Hokkaido and Kyushu. This strategy will help decentralise Japan’s digital infrastructure, mitigating disaster risk while fostering local production and consumption of clean energy.

The partnership plans to conduct ongoing research into the latest technologies and trends, intent on resolving Japan’s pressing digital infrastructure challenges.