Apollo to back $15 billion AI infrastructure project in Japan

Apollo Global Management, a private asset firm, is planning to invest $15 billion in an AI infrastructure project in Japan. The New York-based company will collaborate with U.K. developer RHAELM Holdings, Japan's largest power generator Jera, and Dell Technologies on the venture in Chiba Prefecture, according to a statement on Thursday.

The project, aimed at bolstering Japan's domestic AI capacity, is expected to involve over $15 billion in capital across various sectors such as land, power infrastructure, construction, and computing. Operations are set to commence around 2028, and the project will be powered by up to 400 megawatts of electricity, with assistance from Jera's nearby thermal power station.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced plans to strengthen the nation's AI supply chain to boost its manufacturing industry, unveiling a ¥102 trillion ($644 billion) investment plan focused on AI and semiconductors earlier this year. Apollo has previously been involved in financing AI infrastructure projects for companies like Nvidia, Broadcom, and Anthropic.

The U.S. investment firm has been expanding its presence in Japan, recently hiring a former Goldman Sachs Group senior salesperson to strengthen its ties with domestic institutions. Apollo's Asia-Pacific chief, Eiji Ueda, who joined the firm last year from Japan's largest pension fund, is based in Tokyo. Ueda stated that this announcement includes two of Apollo's top investment themes - financing the global industrial renaissance, including AI and digital infrastructure, and serving as a long-term capital partner to the Japanese market.

Apollo has also provided a $9.2 billion loan to Masayoshi Son's SoftBank Group to help finance the Japanese company's stake in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.