Claude models face power hurdles for NTT Data's ¥1 trillion Osaka AI data centre project
Reports suggest a multi-trillion yen project for Claude models in Japan faces significant power supply hurdles before construction begins.
Key points
- NTT Data is close to a deal with Anthropic for a new data centre in Osaka, reported Nikkei Asia.
- The facility would be the first dedicated site for Anthropic in Japan, drawing up to 500 megawatts.
- Construction costs could reach ¥1 trillion, with total expenses rising due to AI server requirements.
Anthropic, the developer of the Claude AI models, is reportedly nearing an agreement with NTT Data to construct a dedicated data centre in Osaka, Japan. According to Nikkei Asia, the project would represent the first facility in the country built exclusively for the US-based artificial intelligence company. Both organisations declined to comment on the report, and The Next Web has not independently confirmed the details.
Root cause
The primary driver for this infrastructure investment is the expanding footprint of Anthropic’s operations in Asia. The company already has a presence in Japan, having partnered with Hitachi in May to deploy Claude across Hitachi’s workforce of approximately 290,000 employees. Nikkei Asia reports that Anthropic is also exploring data centre opportunities in other Asian nations, where governments are actively competing to host such facilities.
Attack path
The project faces significant logistical challenges, particularly regarding energy supply. The Osaka site is expected to draw up to 500 megawatts of power, which would make it one of the largest data centres in Japan. Connecting such a massive load to the existing electrical grid is described as a slow process. Consequently, the project plans to investigate alternative energy solutions, including on-site electricity generation and the use of fuel cells, to mitigate these grid constraints.
Affected versions
Financial commitments for the project are substantial. Construction alone could cost up to ¥1 trillion ($6.3 billion), according to Nikkei Asia. Adding the necessary AI servers equipped with graphics processors would increase the total expenditure to several trillion yen. The two companies aim to finalise the agreement by the end of March 2027, which marks the close of Japan’s fiscal year.
Mitigation
NTT Data, a subsidiary of the telecommunications group NTT, is well-positioned to execute this build. It ranks third globally among data centre operators by market share and currently manages more than 1,600 megawatts of capacity across multiple countries. The Japanese government is supporting such initiatives as part of a broader strategy, aiming to attract ¥32.7 trillion in public and private investment for data centres, cloud computing, and battery storage by 2035.
What to do and how to stay safe: Anthropic
- Monitor official announcements from Anthropic and NTT Data for confirmed timelines and project details.
- Assess local energy grid stability if you are considering investments in regions with high data centre density.
- Review supply chain contracts for AI hardware, as large-scale deployments may impact global component availability.
- Stay informed about regulatory changes in Asia regarding data sovereignty and infrastructure development incentives.
Step-by-step guide: Stop Sensitive Data Leaks in AI Chatbots: Priority Controls
General security guidance from the Vector Bulletin newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Osaka data centre expected to open?
The companies aim to sign a deal by the end of March 2027, with part of the site potentially opening as early as 2028.
