Chugoku Electric and Hi-Res Explore GPU Data Centers

Chugoku Electric Power Network has partnered with Hi-Res Corporation to start looking into developing a GPU-dedicated data center business in the Chugoku region.

The rise of generative AI has created a huge demand for data centers that can handle the heavy processing power of GPUs. But many existing domestic data centers are run by overseas companies or are concentrated in big cities. This limits economic activity and the creation of new value in regional areas like Chugoku.

Hi-Res is a Japanese cloud service provider offering GPU cloud services called ‘GPUSOROBAN.’ Everything from designing and running GPU-dedicated data centers to delivering cloud services is taken care of by them. The energy used in their infrastructures located in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture is minimal and they have taken measures to be environmentally friendly. They also have experience running regional projects, including converting abandoned schools into data centers.

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With the potential of GPU-dedicated data centers in Chugoku in mind, the two companies have signed a business partnership agreement. Chugoku Electric Power Network will use Hi-Res’s cloud services to test practical know-how on operating and maintaining data centers. They will also analyze customer needs and market response to see if this business can work in the region.

This partnership builds on collaboration started last May under the open innovation program ‘Co-Creation with Network,’ aimed at creating new value and supporting the future of the Chugoku region. Since then, both companies have been moving toward commercialization and putting plans into practice.

GPU-dedicated data centers focus on computational processing using GPUs instead of CPUs. They are ideal for AI, machine learning, big data analysis, and simulations because they can process large amounts of data in parallel. They also perform well for graphics and image processing, making them different from traditional data centers.