SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son to Boost US Power Business for Generative AI

Japan’s SoftBank Group, led by founder Masayoshi Son, has announced plans to significantly expand its power generation business in the United States. This move aims to support generative artificial intelligence (AI) projects globally, leveraging renewable energy sources developed by SB Energy, a SoftBank Group-backed company.

Key Takeaways

• SoftBank Group to expand its US power generation business.
• Focus on supporting generative AI projects worldwide.
• SB Energy to play a crucial role in renewable energy development.
• New investments to be sought primarily outside Japan.

Expansion of US Power Generation Business

SoftBank Group, a major Japanese multinational conglomerate, is set to ramp up its power generation business in the United States. This strategic move is designed to supply power to generative AI projects around the world. The announcement was made by Masayoshi Son, the founder of SoftBank Group, during the annual shareholder meeting of SoftBank Corp, the group’s telecom arm.

Role of SB Energy

SB Energy, a company backed by SoftBank Group, is at the forefront of this initiative. The company specializes in developing and operating renewable electricity businesses across the United States. By leveraging SB Energy’s expertise, SoftBank aims to provide sustainable and reliable power solutions for the burgeoning field of generative AI.

Focus on Generative AI

Generative AI, a subset of artificial intelligence that involves creating new content such as text, images, and music, requires substantial computational power. SoftBank’s expansion into the US power market is a strategic move to meet these energy demands. By ensuring a steady supply of renewable energy, SoftBank aims to support the growth and development of generative AI technologies.

New Investment Opportunities

In addition to expanding its power generation business, SoftBank Group is also looking for new investment opportunities. Masayoshi Son emphasized the importance of seeking "seeds of new evolution" primarily outside Japan. This indicates a broader strategy to diversify SoftBank’s investment portfolio and explore innovative technologies and markets globally.

Conclusion

SoftBank Group’s decision to ramp up its US power generation business marks a significant step in supporting the global generative AI industry. With SB Energy’s expertise in renewable energy, SoftBank is well-positioned to meet the growing energy demands of AI technologies. Additionally, the group’s focus on new investments outside Japan highlights its commitment to innovation and global expansion.

Sources

• SoftBank’s Son: will ramp up US power business for generative AI | Reuters, Reuters.
• Will ramp up US power business for generative AI: SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son, Moneycontrol.
• SoftBank’s Son: will ramp up US power business for generative AI – MarketScreener, marketscreener.com.
• SoftBank’s Son: will ramp up US power business for generative AI, XM.