JERA and Dell announce $15B AI data center project in Chiba

JERA, Dell Technologies, and RHAELM Holdings have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a massive AI data center project in Chiba, Japan. The initiative involves an investment exceeding $15 billion (approximately 2.3 trillion yen) to establish a 400MW AI computing infrastructure at the JERA Chiba Thermal Power Station.

To bypass the common bottleneck of lengthy grid connection wait times, the project will utilize a “behind-the-meter” approach. This allows the data center to connect directly to JERA’s existing power generation infrastructure, a strategy referred to as “Speed to Power.” JERA will provide land and continuous power via its LNG value chain, Dell will supply standardized rack-scale AI infrastructure, and RHAELM will lead development and delivery. Apollo Global Management is expected to participate as a strategic investment and financing partner for RHAELM.

Operations are targeted to begin around 2028, with full capacity expected by 2029. The partners intend for this Chiba site to serve as a repeatable model for national-scale AI infrastructure, with plans to potentially expand across other JERA power sites throughout the 2030s.