https://hokkaidodatacenter.jp/
In today’s digital-driven world, data centers are the unsung heroes, silently powering the internet and our connected lives. These facilities, filled with rows of servers and IT equipment, are increasingly critical as our reliance on digital data grows. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is emerging as a prime location for these data centers, attracting attention from both domestic and international stakeholders. This article delves into why Hokkaido, specifically cities like Ishikari, Bibai, and Tomakomai, is uniquely positioned to become a data center hotspot.
Innovative Cooling: Nature’s Answer to a High-Tech Challenge
One of the biggest challenges for data centers is heat management. These facilities generate a lot of heat and usually require a hefty amount of electricity for cooling. Hokkaido offers a naturally efficient solution: using its cold outside air and snow. This eco-friendly approach can cut down electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 90% compared to traditional air conditioning methods. A shining example is a snow-cooled data center in Bibai City, which has slashed its electricity bill by half.
Renewable Energy: Powering the Future
In an age where environmental impact is a key concern, Hokkaido’s focus on renewable energy is a game-changer. Ishikari City’s strides in wind energy, including the recent completion of 14 offshore wind turbines, exemplify this commitment. Moreover, the city is pioneering the operation of a data center entirely on renewable energy. Tomakomai’s solar power initiatives, like the Terras Energy Tomatoh Abira Solar Park, further cement Hokkaido’s status as a leader in sustainable data center operations.
Strategic Location: Bridging Continents
Hokkaido’s geographical position is another strategic advantage. The planned “Arctic Sea Route” will directly connect Hokkaido with North America and Europe, making it an ideal relay point for data transmission to major Asian cities. This not only enhances efficiency in global data communication but also positions Hokkaido as a critical node in the international data network.
Large Capital Investments Towards The Future
SoftBank Corporation, in collaboration with its subsidiary IDC Frontier, is advancing its commitment to digital infrastructure by constructing a large-scale data center in Tomakomai City, Hokkaido. This project, part of a subsidy program by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, is designed to address the increasing demands for data processing and electricity due to the rise of generative AI. The Tomakomai data center, poised to be Japan’s largest with a future capacity of over 300 megawatts, underscores SoftBank’s long-term vision announced in May 2023. This vision focuses on building next-generation social infrastructure vital for a digital society, with an emphasis on renewable energy utilization and enhancing data center resilience and distribution across the nation.
The Bigger Picture
The world is on the cusp of a data revolution, spurred by advancements in AI and technology. Data centers, as the backbone of this revolution, need to be efficient, sustainable, and strategically located. Hokkaido ticks all these boxes with its innovative cooling solutions, commitment to renewable energy, and strategic geographic location. As the island transforms into a new hub for international communication, its role in hosting cutting-edge data centers is bound to escalate, drawing more global attention.
In conclusion, Hokkaido is not just keeping pace with the digital age; it’s setting a new standard for how we think about and construct the data centers of the future. Watch this space, for Hokkaido is on the verge of becoming a beacon for sustainable and efficient data management on a global scale.
Translated from: https://note.com/hiw2024/n/ne9e097c6a344
Citation:
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[3]石狩市が描く脱炭素時代の産業振興モデル (jilc.or.jp)
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