Why Google and Meta turned away from Korea
Employees from Google’s and Meta’s headquarters each paid a visit to Korea recently. Unbeknownst to the news media, they quietly met with Korean renewable energy start-ups to discuss potential investments in supplying clean energy to AI data centers the firms are considering building in Korea. Big name companies always make sure they remain committed to environmentally friendly efforts to reduce…
In recent visits to South Korea, executives from Google and Meta held private discussions with local renewable energy startups about potential investments in supplying clean energy for the companies' planned AI data centers in the country. Both Google and Meta prioritize environmentally friendly practices in their business operations, including reducing carbon emissions.
As a result, they require clean energy sources for their data centers, which are known to consume substantial amounts of electricity and operate continuously. Despite their commitment to sustainability, the tech giants decided to withdraw their investments in Korea due to the nation's inadequate capability to provide a stable supply of clean energy.
The startups highlighted the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy as a significant challenge, making it challenging to meet the constant demand of AI data centers.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Why Google and Meta turned away from Korea koreatimes.co.kr
