JERA Invests in U.S.-Based Emerald AI to Advance Energy Solutions for AI Data Centers2026/08/26
JERA Co., Inc., Japan’s largest power generation company, today announced that, through its venture capital arm JERA Ventures, it has invested in Emerald AI, Inc. a U.S.-based startup developing software that enables AI data centers to operate more flexibly in coordination with electric grids.
Emerald AI’s software platform enables the coordination of AI computing workloads and onsite energy resources with real-time grid conditions. By dynamically adjusting flexible computing workloads and energy use in response to grid signals, data center operators can manage electricity demand more flexibly while maintaining the performance of priority AI applications.
Through this investment, JERA will explore opportunities to combine Emerald AI's software capabilities with the JERA Group's expertise in power generation, renewable energy, battery energy storage, and power supply-demand operations. The two companies will also consider opportunities to develop solutions that support the growing demand for both electricity and computing capacity, as well as potential new business opportunities in Japan and overseas.
As AI-driven electricity demand grows, grid interconnection constraints are emerging as a key challenge for data center development. There is a growing need for solutions that enable data center operators to secure reliable power more quickly and efficiently. JERA believes software-based technologies that optimize the interaction between computing workloads and power system can play an important role in addressing these challenges and supporting the continued growth of AI-driven industries.
Takeshi Kodama, Head of JERA Ventures and Managing Partner, said:
"The rapid growth of AI is creating significant new demand for electricity and increasing the need for closer coordination between computing and power systems. Emerald AI is developing an innovative approach to this challenge, and we see strong potential in combining its software capabilities with JERA's expertise across the energy value chain. We look forward to exploring opportunities together as the technology continues to develop."
As a global energy company committed to providing cutting-edge solutions to the world's energy issues, JERA is working to ensure a stable energy supply in an increasingly dynamic and evolving energy landscape. Through JERA Ventures, JERA invests in innovative new technologies and business models that have the potential to address future energy challenges and create new opportunities for growth. By embracing innovation and supporting the development of next-generation solutions, JERA aims to remain at the forefront of the energy transition while continuing to provide stable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
About JERA
JERA is a global energy leader and Japan’s largest power generation company focused on providing cutting-edge solutions to the world's energy issues. Established in 2015, the company produces one-third of Japan’s electricity and is one of the largest LNG buyers in the world. JERA has global reach and strength throughout the energy supply chain, including participation in upstream gas exploration and production, LNG projects, fuel procurement and transportation, and power generation globally.
In support of a responsible energy transition, JERA aims to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions from its domestic and overseas businesses by 2050.
About JERA Ventures
JERA Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of the JERA Group, with a strategic investment capacity of USD 300 million.
In addition to investing in startups with cutting-edge technologies and innovative business concepts, JERA Ventures actively collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders across industry, government, and academia that form the startup ecosystem. Through these activities, JERA Ventures aims to drive open innovations in the energy sector.
About Emerald AI:
Emerald AI transforms AI data centers into flexible assets for the power grid, securing larger and faster power connections for AI infrastructure, protecting electricity grid reliability, and advancing energy affordability for communities. The Emerald Conductor software platform is the intelligent interface between the world's two most valuable networks, power grids and AI infrastructure, unlocking critical power capacity for the AI era.
For more information, visit www.emeraldai.co.