South Korea is gearing up for the construction of a groundbreaking solar-powered data center aggregation complex in the Guseong District of Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do. This ambitious project is expected to be a significant step towards achieving the country’s renewable energy goals and advancing its data center capabilities.
Location Advantage
The chosen location in Haenam-gun is strategically deemed suitable for the establishment of a data center complex powered by renewable energy. The area is abundant in renewable energy resources and benefits from a robust power grid, making it an ideal site to harness the potential of solar energy.
Collaborative Efforts
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy recently announced a collaborative effort involving several key organizations. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the ministry, Jeollanam-do, Haenam-gun, Jeonnam Development Corporation, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), and seven investment companies. The collaboration aims to facilitate the construction of the solar-powered data center complex.
Massive Investment
The project is anticipated to attract significant private investment, with an estimated value of up to 10 trillion won dedicated to setting up data centers and associated infrastructure. This substantial investment underscores the importance of the project and its potential impact on South Korea’s digital infrastructure landscape.
Phases of Development
The plan outlines a phased approach to development, with the goal of creating a comprehensive complex that maximizes the utilization of renewable energy. The first phase includes the construction of five buildings and a 300 MW substation by 2027. The subsequent phases will witness the development of additional data centers and substations, culminating in the creation of a substantial 1 GW data center aggregation complex by 2037.
Renewable Energy Focus
The signing of the MoU emphasizes the commitment to using renewable energy for the data center complex. This aligns with the broader vision of achieving a status of RE100, signifying the utilization of 100 percent renewable energy.
Government Support and Mitigation Strategies
To ensure the success of the project, a support team comprising KEPCO and Jeollanam-do will provide policy support, power supply, and administrative assistance. The government is also implementing a Data Center Concentration Mitigation Plan to mitigate the concentration of data centers, thereby reducing potential negative impacts on the power system.
A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
South Korea’s ambitious plan for a 1 GW solar-powered data center complex signifies a significant stride towards sustainable digital infrastructure. By harnessing renewable energy and strategically planning data center dispersal, the country is poised to strengthen its technological capabilities while contributing to a cleaner and greener future.
