CyrusOne KEP builds first data center in Japan

CyrusOne KEP builds first data center in Japan

OSK1 Data Center marks a significant milestone for the international joint venture between utility and power provider and data center operator in Japan.

CyrusOne KEP, a joint venture formed in 2023 between leading global data center owner, developer and operator CyrusOne and Japan’s Kansai Electric Power Co (KEPCO), has begun construction on its first data center construction project in Japan.

The state-of-the-art hyperscale data center, named CyrusOne KEP OSK1, is located in the Kansai area Keihanna Availability Zone – a key data center hub.  

With total incoming power of 70MVA, the facility will ultimately deliver 48MW IT capacity to 11,562 square meters (124,452 square feet) of technical space within a single building over four floors with a total of six 8MW data halls.

Construction of the shell and core will follow in the second half of 2025. The development will be delivered in three phases with the first 16MW operational by Q1 2028.

Eric Schwartz, CEO, CyrusOne, said: “CyrusOne KEP combines CyrusOne’s deep experience in data center design and operation with KEPCO’s track record for delivering power reliably and sustainably throughout Kansai over many decades, creating a unique partnership that simultaneously optimizes digital and power infrastructure.”

Nozomu Mori, President of KEPCO, said: “We have exciting plans for our joint venture going forward, with an ambitious target of investing 1 trillion yen over the next decade to reach a business scale of 900 MW total incoming power.”

US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, said: “Data centers are the beating heart of the digital economy and this joint venture between two leading American and Japanese firms will ensure that Japan remains a technology leader while powering the businesses of tomorrow.

“The collaboration continues a long tradition of American and Japanese companies joining forces to pioneer technological advancements, power economies and support local communities.”

 With sustainability at the heart of CyrusOne designs, and KEPCO’s long-established presence in the region bringing with it deep cultural knowledge and sensitivity, the facility is pitched as providing exceptional environmental performance designed to minimize environmental impact over its full life cycle.

 The joint venture has made significant investments in design improvements to support the local community’s needs, including additional acoustic treatment surrounding emergency back-up generators, chillers and air handling equipment. The external architecture has been designed to conceal external equipment, including flues and generators, to create a neutral aesthetic in keeping with its surroundings.

The project will generate significant work opportunities in the local area during the construction period and into operation, and the company is committed to support the growth of the Keihanna area and, by extension, Japan’s economy.

 CyrusOne KEP has a strong development pipeline, with a commercial target to reach a business scale of 900 MW total incoming power (600MW IT capacity) within 10 years.

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