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The trend towards increasingly large-scale data centers (DCs) is gaining serious traction, highlighted by Tsukuba’s first hyperscale data center project, which drew significant attention during its bidding phase. This initiative is spearheaded by Australia’s Goodman Group. In 2022, the company successfully acquired approximately 45 hectares of land in response to a public call for proposals conducted by Tsukuba City as part of its industrial promotion strategy. This region, developed as a “Science City,” already possesses well-established infrastructure, including telecommunications, power, and water, along with excellent accessibility from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Furthermore, it offers significant potential for further development, making it one of the few locations in Japan equipped to host hyperscale data centers.

The Full Scope of the 1GW Hyperscale DC Development

In January 2024, Goodman formally announced the “Goodman Tsukuba Data Center Campus.” The vision is for a campus-style data center envisioned to have a maximum power capacity of up to 1GW (1000MW) – a scale unprecedented in Japan. The first phase, a 50MW facility, is currently under construction and slated for completion in 2026. Notably, preliminary agreements with key anchor tenants are already in place, highlighting its alignment with current market demand. Goodman also operates a data center cluster exceeding 300MW in Inzai City, Chiba, and Tsukuba is set to become its next flagship location.

Next-Generation Infrastructure Driven by Global Strategy and Environmental Commitment

Goodman’s data center strategy is global, with developments also underway in other key global cities such as Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Melbourne. In February 2025, Goodman announced it had secured approximately USD 4 billion (around JPY 600 billion) for data center development. The company is projecting up to USD 80 billion in development opportunities over the next 5 to 7 years and has already secured a total power capacity of 4GW.

The company is also at the forefront of environmental sustainability. Through low-carbon building design and the proactive integration of renewable energy, Goodman is strengthening its adherence to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria. This is a significant draw for global cloud providers and AI operators that prioritize sustainability.

A Project Redefining Japan’s Role in the Mega Data Center Era

Thus, the 1GW-class data center development in Tsukuba stands as a landmark project, heralding a new phase for Japan’s domestic data center industry. This plan, achieved through a collaboration between public and private sectors, not only enhances the value of the region but is also garnering considerable attention as an initiative poised to redefine Japan’s standing in the age of mega data centers.