#Japan #Osaka #ESR #Colt DCS

ESR and Colt DCS Announce New Joint Venture in Osaka

In a significant move for the digital infrastructure landscape in Japan, ESR—a leading real asset owner and manager in the Asia-Pacific region—and Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS), a global expert in data centre solutions, have joined forces to embark on a groundbreaking project. Together, they will develop the first phase of a cutting-edge hyperscale data centre in Minoh City, Osaka, with a power capacity of 130 MW.

This initial phase will encompass 65 MW, which will be designed and constructed by the ESR-Colt DCS partnership, with operational responsibilities falling to Colt DCS. Situated in one of the largest data centre hubs in the Asia-Pacific region, this project is set to bolster Japan's swift adoption of public cloud services and advancing digital transformation initiatives.

Progress and Timeline
Preparation for the site is already in motion. The construction of the data centre is projected to kick off in 2027, with expectations for the facility to be operational by late 2029. This timeline highlights the urgency and importance both companies place on meeting the rapidly growing demand for high-quality data centre infrastructure driven by digital and AI solutions.

Combining Strengths for Success
The joint venture combines the operational excellence and extensive experience of Colt DCS—over 25 years in Japan—with ESR's extensive market know-how and strong supply chain connections. This synergy aims to create exceptional data centre offerings tailored for a diverse clientele. Colt DCS’s recent opening of its Osaka Keihanna data centre in 2023 and ESR's successful commissioning of its OS1 hyperscale asset in 2025 underline their capabilities in establishing vital infrastructure for the digital economy.

Leaders' Insight
Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO of Colt DCS, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, "Colt DCS has established a strong reputation for delivering high-caliber data centres to our hyperscale clients in Japan. Partnering with ESR will expedite our growth in Japan, enabling us to better assist our global cloud customers and the nascent AI sector."

Stuart Gibson, Co-founder and Co-CEO of ESR, emphasized the strategic importance of Japan within their broader data centre vision, noting, "This joint venture is a strategic step towards realizing next-generation data centre infrastructure that will foster digital growth in the region. We are committed to creating long-term economic value and driving digital transformation in the communities we serve."

Innovation and Sustainability
Underlining their commitment to sustainable development, the partnership will ensure that the Minoh data centre not only meets current technological demands but also serves as a hub for innovation and sustainable community growth. The construction site will cover around 140,000 square meters and will include various amenities for the local community, such as parks and retail facilities.

Aiming for LEED Gold certification, the ESR-Colt DCS joint venture will implement environmentally friendly practices throughout its design and operation, showcasing a comprehensive commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion
This venture marks a pivotal moment in shaping Japan's digital landscape, positioning the nation as a key player in the global cloud market and AI developments. As data demands soar, the ESR and Colt DCS joint venture is set to provide the robust infrastructure necessary for future technological advancements and reinvigorating local economies.

About ESR

ESR is dedicated to enhancing the digital economy through a focus on logistics real estate and data centre development across the Asia-Pacific region. It serves investors and communities by leveraging a fully integrated real asset fund management approach that promises sustainable growth and modern space solutions.

About Colt DCS

Colt DCS specializes in designing, building, and running data centres tailored for large enterprises and hyperscalers. With numerous facilities currently operational and additional projects underway, Colt DCS is a trusted name in the data centre industry, committed to sustainability and exceptional service.

For more information, visit ESR and Colt DCS.