Step-by-Step Expansion up to 40MW with Energy Hub-Type Design
On the 26th of last month, Jinsoo Choi, Head of New Business Development at Korea Electric Power Data Network (KEPCO KDN) (left), took a commemorative photo with the participating institution representatives immediately after the signing ceremony for the Wanju AI Data Center construction project. KEPCO KDN.
Korea Electric Power Network Data Network (KEPCO KDN), a public corporation specializing in energy ICT, is set to establish an energy hub-type AI data center in Wanju, North Jeolla Province. The company plans to create digital infrastructure linked to the region's strategic industries, leveraging integrated power and ICT design to stably respond to large-scale electricity demand.
On March 3, KEPCO KDN announced that it had signed an agreement for the construction of the Wanju AI Data Center at the Wanju County Office in North Jeolla Province, together with Wanju County, Technogreen, LG Electronics, and other partners.
This project will be led by Technogreen as the overall implementer, with KEPCO KDN, LG Electronics, and other partner companies participating in a public-private cooperation structure. The total project cost is approximately 270 billion won, and the data center will be established at the Wanju Technovalley Industrial Complex 1 in North Jeolla Province. It is notable for being the first data center in the North Jeolla region to pass the power grid impact assessment.
The initial power receiving capacity will be 20MW in the first phase, with the potential to be expanded step-by-step to 40MW in the future. By proactively securing site requirements for power, water, telecommunications, and civil services, the project has established a solid foundation for full-scale implementation.
Under the agreement, KEPCO KDN will be responsible for professional technical cooperation in power, ICT, and integrated operation design, as well as the construction of the energy hub-type data center and efficient energy management and operation. LG Electronics will handle technology and business participation of its affiliates and partners, construction design, building, and maintenance.
KEPCO KDN is focusing on ensuring both power stability and operational efficiency, taking into account the characteristics of data centers that require stable large-scale electricity supply and 24-hour uninterrupted operation. The company plans to concentrate its capabilities on power grid interconnection technology consulting and support for power, ICT, and integrated operation design.
In particular, KEPCO KDN will participate from the power infrastructure design stage to secure the stability of the power receiving system and implement an operational structure that enables integrated management of power, facilities, and communication systems. The company will use an Energy Management System (EMS) to monitor load in real time and apply redundant design to enable uninterrupted operation, pursuing a design that considers both long-term operational stability and cost efficiency.
KEPCO KDN has expanded its data center energy advancement business based on its accumulated technological expertise in the power ICT sector, including smart grids, energy management systems, and integrated operation of distributed resources.
A KEPCO KDN representative stated, "We will actively cooperate to ensure that the Wanju AI Data Center, which is being promoted with consideration for linkage with the region’s strategic industries such as agro-bio, hydrogen, and physical AI, is established as a stable energy and ICT-based infrastructure supporting North Jeolla’s strategic industries."
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