Haenam Attracts Energy-Specialized AI Data Center... First Step Toward Becoming a Global AI Powerhouse

Business Agreement Signed by Jeonnam Province, KEPCO KDN, and Southwest Coastal Enterprise City Development
Establishing Integrated Infrastructure for Energy Data Management

On January 8, Haenam County in South Jeolla Province announced that it had signed a business agreement with Jeonnam Province, Korea Electric Power Data Network (KEPCO KDN), and Southwest Coastal Enterprise City Development Co., Ltd. to establish an energy-specialized artificial intelligence (AI) data center.

The signing ceremony was attended by Myung Hyun-gwan, Governor of Haenam County; Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province; Park Sang-hyung, President of KEPCO KDN; and Kim Dae-han, CEO of Southwest Coastal Enterprise City Development Co., Ltd.

Haenam County signed a business agreement with Jeonnam Province, Korea Electric Power Data Network (KEPCO KDN), and Southwest Coastal Enterprise City Development Co., Ltd. to establish an energy-specialized artificial intelligence (AI) data center. Photo by Haenam County

This project aims to create an energy-specialized AI data center in Haenam, systematically collect and manage energy data, and open it to the private sector. Through this, the initiative seeks to foster new AI and energy industries and establish a sustainable regional AI ecosystem.

The energy-specialized AI data center will integrate the management of key energy data such as production, consumption, grid, and energy storage systems (ESS), and build a data infrastructure that enables AI analysis and utilization. This is expected to lead to the development of energy AI services, demonstration of new industries, and the growth of data-driven companies.

Under the agreement, KEPCO KDN will be responsible for building and operating the data center, establishing systems for the collection, management, and security of energy data, and creating a platform to promote the sharing and use of data by the private sector. The participation of KEPCO KDN, a public enterprise specializing in power and energy information and communication technology (ICT), is expected to enhance the project’s expertise and execution capabilities.

Jeonnam Province and Haenam County will provide administrative support, including establishing legal and institutional frameworks, developing the site, and securing permits for essential infrastructure such as electricity, water, and communications. Southwest Coastal Enterprise City Development Co., Ltd. plans to support securing and developing the project site and building basic infrastructure.

The participating organizations plan to cooperate in establishing a business support center, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with local companies, recruiting and training local talent, discovering new industries, and attracting companies to create jobs and draw young talent to the region.

Governor Myung Hyun-gwan stated, "We will actively cooperate to ensure that the establishment of the energy-specialized AI data center leads to the creation of mutually beneficial jobs, talent development, and revitalization of the local economy," adding, "We will continue to expand strategic cooperation linked to national digital and energy policies to achieve tangible results."