PowerX and IIJ Initiate Collaboration to Enhance Power and Digital Infrastructure for AI

PowerX and IIJ Join Forces for AI Infrastructure

In a significant step towards enhancing the energy and digital infrastructure supporting the AI sector, PowerX (headquartered in Tamano City, Okayama) and IIJ (located in Chiyoda, Tokyo) have entered into a memorandum of understanding. This partnership aims to leverage energy storage systems and container data centers to support the soaring demand for computational resources driven by AI.

Growing Demand for Data Centers

With the rise of artificial intelligence, the need for large-scale data centers capable of supporting GPU servers and other power-intensive computational resources has become increasingly apparent. As organizations seek to optimize the placement and operation of these resources, challenges arise regarding how to secure ample power and control the AI data processing effectively. The traditional reliance solely on hyperscale data centers is shifting, with a growing emphasis on distributed processing via container and edge data centers. This approach not only fosters resilience but also contributes to the promotion of stable power supply and decarbonization through collaboration with regional energy sources.

In light of these trends, PowerX and IIJ are setting their sights on constructing and expanding an "AI-supporting energy and digital infrastructure." They plan to develop a collaborative project that integrates energy storage systems with container data centers. This initiative will explore use cases for digital infrastructure utilizing distributed networks and develop schemes for effectively harnessing power through these storage systems.

Strategic Utilization of Renewable Energy

One of the anticipated applications of this collaboration includes expanding the adoption of renewable energy sources in Japan. By considering the fluctuations in the energy market due to changing electricity supply and demand balance, PowerX and IIJ will explore strategies to store inexpensive electricity and utilize it for server equipment within their container data centers. Additionally, selling surplus power during peak demand times is also under consideration. This multifaceted effort aims to address the intertwined challenges of power availability, construction, and computational resource security, thus promoting the innovative concept of “Watt-Bit Synergy.”

Watt-Bit Synergy refers to the integrated optimization of power (Watt) and communication information (Bit), aiming to tackle societal challenges related to AI, decarbonization, and regional distribution through advanced digital infrastructure.

About PowerX

PowerX, established on March 22, 2021, specializes in the development and production of large-scale energy storage systems. Utilizing their expertise in packaging, DC power control, and thermal management, the company has commercialized the Mega Power DC, a state-of-the-art container data center. Following market demand verification, they aim to commence mass production soon.

About IIJ

Since 2011, IIJ has operated its own container-type data center in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. Drawing from their extensive experience in data center development and operation, they will support the examination of optimal technical requirements and assist in container data center development.

Conclusion

Through this collaboration, PowerX and IIJ aim to drive the efficient expansion of energy and digital infrastructure while improving energy self-sufficiency. Their efforts are aligned with the vision of realizing a decarbonized society and contributing positively to local communities.

For more information about the Mega Power DC, visit PowerX's website.