Japan’s government is gearing up to support the development of high-speed, light-based communications technology, aiming to facilitate the construction of data centers outside of major urban areas.
According to Nikkei Asia, the proposed aid package, which may include subsidies, is expected to be implemented as early as next year. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry are currently discussing the details of this initiative.
The focus of the government’s support is on photonics-electronics convergence, a technology that allows data to be processed and transmitted as light rather than electrical signals. This approach offers significant advantages, including the ability to handle massive amounts of data while consuming significantly less power than traditional electronic methods.
The growing popularity of generative artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles has highlighted the need for robust infrastructure capable of supporting the vast data flows associated with these technologies. Light-based networks are seen as a promising solution to meet this demand.
The high speed of light-based communications can enable the decentralization of data centers, reducing reliance on urban areas where land and other resources are limited. By spreading data centers across the country, the government aims to ensure that new technologies like autonomous driving can be deployed nationwide without geographical constraints.
Furthermore, decentralizing data centers can mitigate the risks associated with disaster recovery. Concentrating data centers in a single region can make them vulnerable to natural disasters, while a more distributed approach can enhance resilience.
The government’s plans include providing incentives for locating data centers on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. This region boasts abundant renewable energy resources, making it an attractive location for energy-intensive data centers.
Data from Hokkaido Electric Power Network revealed that renewable sources accounted for a significant 41% of the region’s total electricity generation in the past year, far exceeding the national average. Hydropower led the way, contributing 15.6%, followed by solar (10.4%), wind (8%), biomass (6.6%), and geothermal (0.3%).
This achievement puts Hokkaido well ahead of the central government’s ambitious goal of reaching 60% renewable energy by 2030. The region’s “Hokkaido Valley” initiative, spanning from Ishikari to Tomakomai, aims to further accelerate this transition by attracting renewable energy firms to support data centers, the Rapidus semiconductor plant, and related industries.