SoftBank Launches GWh-scale Battery Business in Japan to Meet AI Applications' Power Needs

The rapid popularity of AI applications has raised higher demands for power supply, and stable energy guarantee is key to the development of the AI industry.

SoftBank has launched a GWh-scale battery business in Japan, aiming to build reliable power infrastructure for AI applications. The business takes the AI data center at the former Sharp site in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture as its core, establishing two factories: AX Factory (responsible for AI data center operation and hardware manufacturing) and GX Factory (focused on producing next-generation batteries, solar panels, etc.).

GX Factory plans to start producing battery cells and energy storage systems in FY2027, reaching GWh-level annual output by FY2028. Products will first be applied to Japan's power grid, industry and residential use, then expanded globally in the medium term. The zinc-halogen battery (pure water electrolyte, no fire risk) developed with COSMOS LAB and the high-energy-density energy storage system with DeltaX will further improve energy storage performance.

SoftBank targets annual revenue of over 100 billion yen for its Japanese battery business by FY2030, providing solid energy support for the AI industry.