Japan Data Center Update 42: Nuclear Power and New Technologies Support Japan’s Data Center Rollout

Shikoku Electric explores nuclear-backed power supply to attract data centers to Ehime

Shikoku Electric Power announced that it will explore a decarbonized power supply scheme for companies locating data centers and other facilities in Ehime Prefecture. Using decarbonized power could improve their prospects of qualifying for incentives under the national GX Strategic Zone System. The scheme will draw primarily on the Ikata Nuclear Power Station, alongside hydro, solar, and wind generation, to attract data centers and other facilities with a value-added power offering. Shikoku Electric will assess potential locations and commercial viability, including opportunities to use its idle land. The timing of commercialization will depend on demand and the availability of telecommunications and power infrastructure. A public-private working group will discuss how to bring data center projects to fruition.

NTT Data and partners test HVO fuel for data center backup gas turbines

NTT Data Group, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Itochu ENEX, and other partners have begun testing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable diesel fuel made from used cooking oil and other feedstocks, in data center backup gas turbines. The trial will switch the fuel used by backup generators at a Tokyo data center to HVO, assessing whether it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the generation capability required for emergency backup power. The trial is Japan’s first use of HVO in data center backup gas turbines and will run through March 2028.

Mitsubishi Electric plans Japan launch of liquid cooling system for AI data centers

Mitsubishi Electric plans to sell its AI data center cooling system in Japan, following its rollout overseas. The company will build its sales and maintenance support capabilities based on the domestic market’s response. As graphics processing units (GPUs) are expected to generate more heat with the growth of AI, Mitsubishi Electric plans to add next-generation data center cooling technologies to its lineup.

The latest model, ME-CDU, was unveiled in the United Kingdom in March and provides up to 1.2 MW of cooling capacity per unit. It uses a coolant distribution unit (CDU) to deliver coolant to metal plates in direct contact with GPUs.

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