Global Compute Infrastructure (GCI), a prominent data center firm, has partnered with the Asia Pacific Land (APL) Group, a real estate investment firm, to develop two significant data center campuses in Japan. This collaboration marks a strategic step towards bolstering Japan’s digital infrastructure and economic growth, especially in the Fukuoka Prefecture.
Kyushu’s New Data Center Hub
120MW Campus Planned in Kitakyushu
The joint venture aims to establish a new data center hub on a 15.5-acre site in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. This campus will have a total planned capacity of 120MW, with construction beginning in 2024. The first phase, offering 60MW, is expected to go live by September 2027.
Expansion Potential
In addition to the initial Kitakyushu campus, the partnership has secured additional land and power resources in Fukuoka Prefecture. This expansion could provide an estimated 250MW of capacity by 2029, significantly contributing to the region’s digital infrastructure.
Insights from Key Stakeholders
Yoshinobu Takahara, Chief Investment Officer, Asia at APL, stated: “We are thrilled to work with GCI to realize our vision of creating a new data center hub in Kyushu. This project is about more than infrastructure; it represents a commitment to continue working with the local and national government to position Kyushu as a critical player in Japan’s continued digital transformation by creating technology-related jobs and stimulating the local economy.”
Scott Peterson, President and CEO of GCI, added: “We are very excited to collaborate with APL to launch this significant, market-changing initiative. Together, we are leveraging our expertise to establish an innovative data center hub that will serve the needs of the world’s most demanding data center customers across a range of deployment sizes and needs.”
Additional Developments in Fukuoka Prefecture
Itoshima Campus
APL also acquired land in Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture, for another large-scale data center campus. Spanning 122,000 square meters (1.3 million square feet) near the Maebaru Interchange on the Nishi Kyushu Expressway, this campus will host six data centers. Construction is set to begin in spring 2025, with phased operations starting in 2029 and full completion by 2034.
Background of the Developers
Asia Pacific Land Group
Founded in 1994, APL Group specializes in real estate, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and private equity investments. The company purchased the Kitakyushu site from Kitakyushu City in November 2023 and had expressed interest in the development as early as August 2023.
Global Compute Infrastructure
Backed by the Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division, GCI was founded in 2020 by Scott Peterson, co-founder of Digital Realty. The company has previously acquired Polish data center operator Atman and invested in Latin American firm Data Horizon Americas. However, GCI clarified that Goldman Sachs is not involved in the current partnership with APL.
Why Kyushu?
Kyushu’s strategic location as the northernmost region of Japan’s southern island makes it an attractive site for data centers. IDC Frontier Inc., a SoftBank subsidiary, has already established a presence in Kitakyushu, operating a data center since 2008 that has expanded to include six buildings as of 2017.
FAQ
1. What is the capacity of the new data center campus in Kitakyushu?
The Kitakyushu campus is planned to offer 120MW of capacity, with the first 60MW phase operational by September 2027.
2. What other projects are being developed in Fukuoka Prefecture?
APL is also developing a 122,000 sqm campus in Itoshima, hosting six data centers. Construction begins in 2025, with completion expected by 2034.
3. Who are the key players in this joint venture?
The Asia Pacific Land (APL) Group and Global Compute Infrastructure (GCI) are collaborating on these projects.
4. Why was Kyushu chosen for these data centers?
Kyushu’s strategic location, government support, and existing digital infrastructure make it an ideal region for large-scale data center developments.
5. What is the long-term impact of these projects?
The projects aim to enhance Japan’s digital infrastructure, create technology-related jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
