Lithium-ion constraints stall data center expansion
The government’s regulatory reform panel is moving to overhaul building and fire safety regulations to accelerate the expansion of data centers. The proposed changes aim to facilitate the installation of large-scale lithium-ion battery systems. While these batteries are essential for powering artificial intelligence infrastructure, their deployment is currently restricted by stringent fire service laws.
Battling the Fire Service Act
Data centers require massive, uninterrupted power supplies to support the high-density computing loads necessitated by artificial intelligence. Lithium-ion batteries provide this stability, yet they are categorized as hazardous materials under the fire service law and the building standards law.
Current regulations impose strict limits on the volume and placement of these batteries within buildings. These limitations often prevent operators from installing the capacity required for modern AI workloads. The panel’s proposal urged the government to exclude lithium-ion batteries from the restrictions by introducing safety standards for batteries.
Moving robotics from labs to public streets
Beyond data centers, the government is targeting the legal framework surrounding AI that control robots that walk. As Japan faces labor shortages, the government views AI-driven robotics as a vital solution for sectors like construction, logistics, and elderly care services.
The reform panel has proposed a law revision that would enable full-scale demonstration tests. This shift is intended to move robotics development into the field.
Legislative path to an AI-ready Japan
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has emphasized that the government will promote reforms of regulations and systems that fit the AI era. The government intends to draft specific amendments to the building standards law and associated fire safety codes.
While the proposal has cleared the initial advisory panel stage, the process will require legislative review.
Core policy objectives
- Infrastructure Bottleneck: Current fire service law and building standards law categorize lithium-ion battery arrays as hazardous, limiting power capacity for AI data centers.
- Proposed Solution: The government is urged to exclude lithium-ion batteries from restrictions by introducing safety standards for batteries.
- Robotics Integration: Legal amendments are being planned to allow for full-scale demonstration tests of robots in sectors like construction, logistics, and elderly care services.
- Policy Directive: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has emphasized that the government will promote reforms of regulations and systems that fit the AI era.