#Japan #Tokyo #Energy Management #Hitachi #Tokyo Electric

Introduction

In a significant development for energy management in Japan, Tokyo Electric Power Grid Co., Ltd. (TEPCO PG) and Hitachi, Ltd. have partnered to establish advanced techniques for energy management and workload shifting among multiple data centers (DC). This initiative aims to enhance the stability of the electrical grid and facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources as Japan aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Overview of the Project

Beginning in October 2022, TEPCO PG and Hitachi initiated a proof-of-concept project involving energy management across three data centers located in Tokyo and Kanagawa. This initiative sought to optimize the balancing of power supply and demand by implementing workload shifting, a technique that involves moving computational loads spatially or temporally to support the efficient use of electricity.

This project has already yielded remarkable results, confirming the establishment of foundational technologies for decentralized energy management systems. The methodology has been patented, indicating its innovative contribution to the energy sector.

Challenges Addressed

With the rise of generative AI technology, the demand for electricity in data centers is expected to increase significantly. However, this surge in demand presents challenges such as prolonged connection times to the electrical grid and rising social costs associated with power generation and equipment upgrades. The partnership between TEPCO PG and Hitachi aims to mitigate these issues by developing strategies that enable data centers to act as flexible energy resources.

Key Highlights from the Implementation

During the proof-of-concept testing, the teams discovered that:
1. Optimal Workload Shifting: The optimal distribution of workload among the data centers allowed for better utilization of renewable energy resources, thereby ensuring a more balanced power supply and demand system.
2. Efficiency in Energy Resource Management: The project successfully demonstrated the potential for rapid adjustments in energy load, utilizing distributed energy resources (DER) such as large-scale battery storage and advanced network technologies to enhance grid flexibility.
3. Seamless Integration with Generative AI: Remarkably, the data centers were able to flawlessly shift computational loads related to heavy generative AI applications, achieving less than one second of downtime during the transition, thereby maintaining operational continuity.

The Future Ahead

TEPCO PG and Hitachi plan to utilize the insights and technologies developed through this project to enhance grid stability and lower societal costs. By further exploring watt-bit collaboration—integrating power management with information technology—these companies aim to facilitate Japan's journey towards carbon neutrality while ensuring a reliable power supply.

Conclusion

Through this collaborative effort, TEPCO PG and Hitachi are not only addressing the current challenges posed by rising electricity demand but are also positioning themselves as leaders in the innovation of energy management systems. Their work paves the way for a sustainable future where energy optimization is at the forefront of technological advancement, significantly impacting the broader move towards green energy solutions.

Additional Information

For more information on this initiative and its implications, interested parties can reach out to Hitachi's Social Systems Division. They are keen on discussing inquiries related to IT systems in social infrastructure.