Rakuten and KDDI Are Locked in an Epic Power Struggle

Why It Matters

With data‑centre electricity use projected to double by 2030, cutting power intensity is critical for cost control and climate goals. The project also strengthens Japan’s telecom resilience amid frequent natural disasters.

Key Takeaways

• NEDO backs Rakuten‑KDDI project targeting 40% power cut by 2030.
• Initiative covers AI‑driven RAN, virtualised networking, and advanced GPU cooling.
• IEA forecasts data‑centre electricity use to double to 945 TWh by 2030.
• Telcos will supply portable chargers from seven battery makers for disaster relief.
• Water‑based cooling aims to tame 3 kW GPU power draw.

Pulse Analysis

The International Energy Agency warns that global data‑centre electricity demand will surge to 945 terawatt‑hours by 2030, a growth rate four times faster than any other sector. In Japan, where data‑centre density is rising alongside mobile‑network expansion, the government’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) is stepping in to curb that trajectory. By funding a collaborative research program between Rakuten and KDDI, NEDO is betting on technology‑driven efficiency gains to keep power consumption in check while supporting the country’s broader decarbonisation agenda.

The joint effort focuses on five technical pillars. First, virtualised network optimisation will shift traffic onto optical links and dynamically allocate GPU resources, reducing idle power draw. Second, AI‑driven RAN optimisation promises real‑time radio tuning and edge‑based video compression to match demand with energy use. Third, compact, adaptive cooling systems aim to shrink air‑flow footprints, while fourth, security‑focused work seeks to trim the volume of telemetry generated by Open RAN base stations. Finally, water‑based and immersion‑cooling solutions target high‑performance GPUs that can consume up to 3 kW, potentially cutting their thermal load by a significant margin.

Beyond energy savings, the partnership bolsters Japan’s disaster‑response capabilities. A concurrent agreement with seven battery manufacturers will enable Rakuten, KDDI, NTT and SoftBank to deploy portable chargers and cables to evacuation centres when the grid fails. This dual focus on sustainability and resilience positions the Japanese telecom sector as a model for other markets grappling with rising power costs and climate‑related risks, while opening new revenue streams around emergency power services.