Hitachi Partners with X Labs and Neoix to Build Behind-the-Meter Energy Parks for Data Centers
May 15, 2026
Hitachi Partners with X Labs and Neoix to Build Behind-the-Meter Energy Parks for Data Centers
Japanese technology conglomerate Hitachi has announced two major agreements aimed at addressing the growing power demands of the data center industry. The company is collaborating with investment firm X Labs to develop behind-the-meter energy parks for colocated data centers in the United States, while also signing a memorandum of understanding with UK-based developer Neoix to build hyperscale data centers in selected global markets.
The partnership with X Labs centers on a model described as Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS). Under the agreement, X Labs will establish and manage special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) to design, develop, and operate energy parks across various U.S. locations. These parks will be prepared for data center operators to move in and directly access power, bypassing traditional grid constraints. Hitachi will supply transmission and distribution equipment, grid management products, and battery energy storage solutions through its Strategic SIB business unit. The companies aim to complete the first energy park by the early 2030s, though the specific power sources remain undisclosed. Most behind-the-meter facilities of this type rely on natural gas.
Jun Taniguchi, senior vice president and executive officer, and CEO of Hitachi Strategic SIB, emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “As AI growth accelerates data center development, the need for reliable power supply is becoming increasingly critical,” he said. “Leveraging long-standing experience in social infrastructure and capabilities across IT, OT, and products, we will provide DC-architected electrical solutions.” Karan Trehan, CEO and founder of X Labs, added that the collaboration would combine asset management and project management expertise, supported by federal, state, and local incentives in the U.S., to deliver attractive returns for energy infrastructure investors.
In a separate development, Hitachi has signed an MoU with Neoix to co-develop AI-ready, eco-efficient hyperscale data centers in Europe and North Africa. Neoix, which lists seven projects on its website in various stages of development, will lead the design and concept work. Hitachi Energy will support power infrastructure, including delivery systems, energy storage, and renewable integration, while Hitachi Vantara will supply IT infrastructure. Hari Slipicevic, CEO of Neoix, described the partnership as “a powerful alignment of capabilities across energy, digital infrastructure, and development,” noting that the goal is to build campuses that are scalable, sustainable, and deeply integrated with the energy system.
Antonio Marinoni, senior business development director at Hitachi EMEA, highlighted the broader industry implications. “By combining the strengths of Hitachi Energy and Hitachi Vantara, we are pleased to support Neoix in enabling high-performance, sustainable infrastructure for the AI era,” he said. “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to integrating energy and digital innovation, ensuring that next-generation data centers are not only scalable and resilient, but also aligned with the global transition toward low-carbon infrastructure.” These deals underscore a growing trend among technology firms to secure dedicated power solutions as AI workloads drive unprecedented demand for electricity.
Source: datacenterdynamics
