CyrusOne starts Japan data centre venture with KEPCO

CyrusOne, a leading global data center developer and operator specializing in delivering state-of-the-art digital infrastructure solutions, and Kansai Electric Power Company, Inc. (KEPCO), a major Japan-based electric utility and power provider that also operates telecommunications and real estate development businesses, today announced their joint venture called CyrusOne KEP.

CyrusOne KEP brings together two companies with extensive technical and operational expertise to develop new datacenters to meet the mission-critical requirements of hyperscale platform companies. Through this collaboration, data center infrastructure will be better aligned with the broader power grid to drive resilience, efficiency and smart development.

“This is a unique partnership that brings data center and power knowledge and capability together and provides a unique opportunity to simultaneously optimize digital and power infrastructure,” said Eric Schwartz, president and CEO of CyrusOne. “KEPCO is one of the largest utility providers in Japan with extensive local expertise. Their knowledge and relationships plus CyrusOne’s design, development and commercial operations of data centers positions us to further serve customers with growth aspirations around the world.”

In this agreement, the companies established a joint venture with equal investments by the two companies, leveraging the strengths of both companies to undertake the hyperscale data center development and operation business in Japan. CyrusOne KEP plans to invest at least one trillion yen (more than $7B USD) over the next decade and reach a business scale of 900 MW.

“CyrusOne is a global leader in hyperscale data centers in terms of both scale and growth. KEPCO and CyrusOne are optimal partners due to their deep understanding of power and utility operations, and their cultural and organizational flexibility. The hyperscale data center market is continuing to grow in Japan due to the increase of data traffic volume led by the growth of digital technology products and services that provide a positive impact on productivity, entertainment and security. With the joint venture, the KEPCO Group aims to provide world-best quality service to the cloud companies and technology organizations in Japan,” said Nozomu Mori, president and CEO of KEPCO.

CyrusOne and KEPCO plan to build in the Kansai area and other major markets across Japan. Construction on the first project is expected to begin in the near future in Kansai.

CT Bureau