PowerX Inc. (Tokyo Growth: 485A) and Highreso, which runs GPU-dedicated data centers, signed a memorandum of understanding on July 15, 2026 to study whether battery storage can be built into the data centers powering Japan's AI computing buildout. The document is explicit that this is a review stage, not a signed project: PowerX says the collaboration scope may still change through further talks, and the effect on its financial results is currently undetermined.
The stated problem is straightforward. Generative AI has pushed rapid construction of GPU data centers, but the servers inside them draw enough power that operators are running into grid capacity shortages and rising electricity costs, according to the filing. The two companies plan to examine two things: batteries co-located with data centers, used to cut power costs, trade in electricity markets and supply backup power, including a look at the economics and equipment design behind that; and joint sales and marketing work, including hunting for sites together and lining up infrastructure investors and financial institutions to back GPU data center projects.
Highreso brings five existing sites in Ishikawa, Kagawa and Saga prefectures, several of them built inside repurposed buildings such as former schools, and it has run GPU-focused data centers since 2019 under its GPUSOROBAN cloud service. The company frames its rural buildout as a contribution to the government's Watt-Bit Collaboration initiative, which links digital infrastructure investment to regional revitalization. Highreso is capitalized at ¥100mn and was founded in December 2007, according to the counterparty details attached to the disclosure.
What is not yet decided: how much battery capacity would be installed, at which sites, or who pays for it. The filing describes a memorandum for joint study, not a construction contract or financing commitment, and PowerX says any material development will be disclosed separately once agreed.