‘The keyword is speed to power’: Dell, Apollo, and Jera launch a $140 billion plan to build up to 4GW of AI data centers across Japan and Asia

Dell, Apollo and Jera have announced a $140 billion plan to build up to 4GW of AI infrastructure across Japan and Asia over the next five years. The initiative, which includes a $15 billion project near Tokyo, aims to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence computing facilities and gas-powered generation.

According to Yukio Kani, global chief executive of Jera, the key to their strategy is "speed to power." By linking electricity generation directly with computing facilities, the partnership hopes to expedite the construction process. Jera's annual LNG trading volume of 35 million tonnes could provide the necessary power for the computing facilities in the proposed site.

The initial $15 billion project is expected to generate 400 megawatts of power and commence operations around 2028. Unlike Japan's national electricity grid, this development will operate independently. Apollo will finance the initial development, while Dell and Jera will contribute their technology and energy infrastructure expertise.

The total investment in this programme could reach $140 billion, with each gigawatt costing between $35 billion and $45 billion. The partners also plan to standardize construction methods, enabling them to replicate the projects in other locations. This approach could see the partnership expand its presence beyond Japan into other Asian markets.

This AI infrastructure expansion is part of Japan's broader strategy to increase its electricity consumption in the AI sector. Currently, Japan consumes only 1.7GW of electricity for computing facilities, which is significantly lower than the United States (29.2GW) and China (8.5GW). However, Japan's potential AI infrastructure investment of ¥32.7 trillion ($206 billion) through 2035 could boost its position in the regional AI computing infrastructure and electricity supply landscape.