The study analysed cases in which data-centre investment is spreading to regional construction and component supply, focusing on Kushiro's power-utilisation plan and the establishment of an optical connector component plant in Ishikawa. It maps the construction work and flow of component demand associated with the reuse of former sites.
The study compared 5 cases involving the reuse of former factory and power plant sites, based on 820 companies and organisations and 1,073 relationship details recorded in a database of data-centre-related companies. Using materials published by businesses and local governments, it maps the flow from equipment design and ordering through construction generated by the reuse of former sites.
The first key finding is that component manufacturers primarily make proposals to the original equipment designers. Communications companies are the most common, followed by power and cooling-related companies. When limited to components and processing, proposals tend to be directed mainly to the original designers.
The second is that pipe processing for liquid cooling can be offered as a proposal covering connection and leak testing. Approximately 40 companies capable of handling multiple functions were identified overall, centred on 37 companies dealing with piping, joints, valves and hoses.
The third is that common providers are involved in equipment delivery and post-commissioning maintenance. There are 54 companies listed in both the power equipment and maintenance fields, and 30 companies spanning cooling and maintenance.
The fourth is that the construction required at former sites varies depending on how existing facilities are used. KDDI Osaka Sakai opened using existing accumulated facilities, Kushiro has a power supply plan using existing facilities, and the former Akita Thermal Power Plant site remains at an undetermined stage.