SoftBank plans to convert a former Sharp LCD factory in Sakai, Osaka, into a large-scale battery manufacturing facility, with production slated to begin by fiscal 2027. The batteries will power SoftBank's AI data centers, addressing the growing electricity demand driven by AI technologies. This move reflects SoftBank's strategy to secure its own power supply chain amid increasing data center power needs. The facility will produce batteries without using lithium or cobalt, aiming to reduce costs and avoid geopolitical supply chain issues. This approach aligns with other tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, who are also seeking alternative energy solutions to support their AI infrastructure. SoftBank's focus on storage rather than generation allows for power stockpiling during off-peak hours, crucial in Japan's high-cost, capacity-constrained electricity market.