Minister Kim Sung-hwan of the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announces policies at the National Report Meeting on Three Mega Projects hosted by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House. [Photo=Blue House Press Corps]
As the government advances three mega projects centered on semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), it is intensifying efforts to support infrastructure, including power, water, and land. Plans include supplying 6.3 gigawatts of power and 650,000 tons of water to the Honam region, along with a separate electricity pricing system for AI data centers. The goal is to ensure a steady power supply for semiconductor factories and AI data centers, facilitating the transition to a power powerhouse.
On June 29, the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment unveiled infrastructure expansion plans to support the Manufacturing AI 2030 strategy at the National Report Meeting on Three Mega Projects held at the Blue House. The focus is on establishing a supply chain for power and water necessary for semiconductors and advanced industries through proactive investments in power infrastructure.
Minister Kim Sung-hwan stated at the meeting, "We will timely supply the necessary water and electricity to support the South Korean economy," adding, "While the Honam region has produced nuclear, solar, and wind energy, it has primarily transmitted power to the metropolitan area due to a lack of consumption demand. Now, electricity generated in Honam can be used to operate semiconductor fabs in the region."
The government plans to supply power using renewable energy and nuclear power to the southwestern semiconductor industrial complex and utilize various alternative water resources, including multipurpose dams and water for power generation. It will also expedite the construction of connection lines to address the insufficient power grid.
To supply power to the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex, the existing transmission lines will be maximized, and underground construction will be undertaken when necessary. For water supply, the existing integrated water supply project will be completed ahead of schedule, and measures to increase reuse rates will be implemented.
For AI data centers, the government plans to ensure stable power supply by harmoniously utilizing renewable energy, nuclear power, and some fossil fuel sources based on site conditions. Information on 345kV substations will be disclosed, and expedited processing of power system impact assessments for non-metropolitan AI data centers will be pursued.
The investment in power infrastructure aims to establish a stable power supply system. By 2030, the government plans to achieve its goal of deploying 100 gigawatts of renewable energy through the activation of private investment. Additionally, two nuclear reactors are expected to be completed by 2027, and nine reactors currently in operation will be maintained to boost power generation.
The expansion of the power grid will also lead to stable supply. Existing line capacities will be increased, and new lines will be constructed underground in a timely manner. Substations will be built primarily in non-metropolitan areas where renewable energy generation is abundant.
A separate electricity pricing system will be established to support the competitiveness of advanced industries. Starting in the second half of this year, a regional pricing system will be introduced, along with a new electricity pricing system for ultra-large AI data centers. Minister Kim emphasized, "Semiconductors, AI data centers, and physical AI cannot operate without electricity," stating, "We are entering an era where semiconductor chips and electricity are the core of national competitiveness. We will do our utmost to transition to an electricity powerhouse."
Additionally, to support large-scale regional investments by companies, a 'corporate advanced city' will be developed as a regional hub where production, testing, and research can occur simultaneously. The government will provide desired locations for companies and work on alleviating regulations. Furthermore, options will be made available for anchor companies to directly participate in project implementation and development if they wish.
On June 29, the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment unveiled infrastructure expansion plans to support the Manufacturing AI 2030 strategy at the National Report Meeting on Three Mega Projects held at the Blue House. The focus is on establishing a supply chain for power and water necessary for semiconductors and advanced industries through proactive investments in power infrastructure.
Minister Kim Sung-hwan stated at the meeting, "We will timely supply the necessary water and electricity to support the South Korean economy," adding, "While the Honam region has produced nuclear, solar, and wind energy, it has primarily transmitted power to the metropolitan area due to a lack of consumption demand. Now, electricity generated in Honam can be used to operate semiconductor fabs in the region."
The government plans to supply power using renewable energy and nuclear power to the southwestern semiconductor industrial complex and utilize various alternative water resources, including multipurpose dams and water for power generation. It will also expedite the construction of connection lines to address the insufficient power grid.
To supply power to the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex, the existing transmission lines will be maximized, and underground construction will be undertaken when necessary. For water supply, the existing integrated water supply project will be completed ahead of schedule, and measures to increase reuse rates will be implemented.
For AI data centers, the government plans to ensure stable power supply by harmoniously utilizing renewable energy, nuclear power, and some fossil fuel sources based on site conditions. Information on 345kV substations will be disclosed, and expedited processing of power system impact assessments for non-metropolitan AI data centers will be pursued.
The investment in power infrastructure aims to establish a stable power supply system. By 2030, the government plans to achieve its goal of deploying 100 gigawatts of renewable energy through the activation of private investment. Additionally, two nuclear reactors are expected to be completed by 2027, and nine reactors currently in operation will be maintained to boost power generation.
The expansion of the power grid will also lead to stable supply. Existing line capacities will be increased, and new lines will be constructed underground in a timely manner. Substations will be built primarily in non-metropolitan areas where renewable energy generation is abundant.
A separate electricity pricing system will be established to support the competitiveness of advanced industries. Starting in the second half of this year, a regional pricing system will be introduced, along with a new electricity pricing system for ultra-large AI data centers. Minister Kim emphasized, "Semiconductors, AI data centers, and physical AI cannot operate without electricity," stating, "We are entering an era where semiconductor chips and electricity are the core of national competitiveness. We will do our utmost to transition to an electricity powerhouse."
Additionally, to support large-scale regional investments by companies, a 'corporate advanced city' will be developed as a regional hub where production, testing, and research can occur simultaneously. The government will provide desired locations for companies and work on alleviating regulations. Furthermore, options will be made available for anchor companies to directly participate in project implementation and development if they wish.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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