On September 15, Hokkaido issued a statement requesting data center (DC) operators to actively adopt decarbonized power sources and energy-saving technologies, and to coexist with local communities.
Hokkaido Requests Data Center Operators to Adopt Decarbonization Technologies and Coexist with Local Communities
This article is a translation. Read the Japanese original
Hokkaido is currently promoting the location of data centers to foster AI, semiconductors, and digital industries. Ishikari City and Tomakomai City have already been certified under the "GX Strategic Region System," which centers on decarbonized power sources, and accelerated data center construction in these regions is expected.
On the other hand, Hokkaido has expressed concerns regarding the impact on power procurement in areas where demand is concentrated. In response, the prefecture is requesting that operators make effective use of limited resources—land, water, and electricity—to improve the lives of Hokkaido residents and revitalize the local economy.
As specific requests, Hokkaido has put forward goals such as "contributing to the improvement of resident life and industrial promotion within Japan and Hokkaido" and "utilizing decarbonized power sources and improving energy savings and efficiency." Furthermore, based on the "Data Center Regional Coexistence Guidelines" formulated by the Japan Data Center Council, the prefecture is requesting that operators strive to gain local understanding.