Asia Pacific Land (APL) Group and Global Compute Infrastructure (GCI) have announced a joint venture to establish a data center hub in Kyushu, Japan, aimed at supporting hyperscale, AI, and cloud infrastructure needs across East Asia. The project, located on a 15.5-acre (6.3-hectare) site in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, will deliver an initial 120MW power capacity, with the first 60MW phase expected to go live in September 2027. The venture also plans to scale the campus to approximately 250MW by 2029, leveraging Kyushu’s affordable electricity, significant renewable energy sources, and strategic connectivity to regional markets like Busan, Korea.
Kyushu’s advantages, including Japan’s lowest electricity rates, its position on the nation’s fiber backbone, and its two-thirds carbon-free power grid, make it an attractive alternative to established hubs in Osaka and Tokyo. The project’s development, expected to begin as early as 2026, aligns with APL and GCI’s shared vision of transforming Kyushu into a key digital infrastructure location. “This project represents a commitment to working with local and national governments to position Kyushu as a critical player in Japan’s digital transformation,” said Yoshinobu Takahara, Chief Investment Officer at APL.
• Project Scope: 120MW initial capacity by 2027; scalability to 250MW by 2029.
• Strategic Location: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, offering cost-effective, sustainable energy and strong connectivity.
• Regional Connectivity: Kyushu serves as a terminus for Japan’s fiber backbone and a gateway to markets like Busan, Korea.
• Sustainability: Two-thirds of Kyushu’s energy grid relies on renewable sources, making it Japan’s most sustainable region.
• Construction Timeline: Development slated to begin in 2026, with the first phase operational by 2027.
• Financial Advisor: Citizens Digital Infrastructure M&A Advisory served as exclusive advisor to APL.
- Founded in 1994, APL Group is a private investment firm with expertise in real estate, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and private equity. With over $23 billion in completed transactions, APL operates through offices in major global cities, including Tokyo, New York, and Berlin. The firm’s Japanese portfolio spans retail, hospitality, residential, and renewable energy assets.
- GCI is a data infrastructure investment firm specializing in the development, acquisition, and operation of data centers across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
