NYK And Partners Collaborate On Yokohama’s Floating Green Data Center

Demonstration Project — Image Credits: NYK Line

On March 27, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, NTT FACIITIES,INC., Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation, MUFG Bank, Ltd., and the city of Yokohama signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a demonstration project of an offshore green data center utilizing a mini-float (floating berthing facility) installed as a disaster countermeasure.

On a mini-float (25m long x 80m wide) installed off Osanbashi Pier (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture), we will test an offshore floating data center powered by 100% renewable energy generated by solar power and battery energy storage systems. Based on the results, we will explore further developments in the waterfront and sea areas of Yokohama port.

Data center designed to reduce its environmental impact by improving energy efficiency

The rapid advancement of digital transformation (DX) across society and industries has led to an explosive increase in the demand for data centers.

These require secure power and measures to combat greenhouse gas emissions, as well as large land areas to accommodate future expansion. Additionally, data centers need to be located near major consumption areas and remain operational during disasters.

The demonstration project will involve installing a container-type data center, solar power generation equipment, and battery energy storage systems on a mini-float. The project aims to operate the data center entirely on renewable energy while assessing the equipment’s salt damage resistance and operational stability in an offshore environment.

The demonstration is planned to commence in autumn 2025, marking a significant step toward the practical application of a world-first “offshore floating green data center.”

Objectives of the Demonstration Project

The offshore floating green data center, which operates on 100% renewable energy, will become one of the new standards for future data centers and greatly contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society by operating entirely on renewable energy and emitting no greenhouse gases during operation. Through the demonstration, we will work to address various challenges to achieve this vision.

Future Development of Offshore Floating Green Data Centers

Once realized, offshore floating green data centers will enable efficient utilization of offshore wind power, a promising renewable energy source. The project envisions situating these data centers near offshore wind farms to maximize the use of generated electricity without relying on or being limited by onshore power grids.

Additionally, this approach is expected to address various challenges associated with onshore data center construction, such as land availability, shortages of construction contractors, and extended construction lead times.

By utilizing renewable energy, leveraging Japan’s vast maritime domain, and enhancing port functions necessary for constructing and maintaining offshore facilities, the project aims to contribute to both environmental preservation and the growth of digital infrastructure.

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