Korea's AI ambition faces power crunch
Korea’s ambition to build a new generation of semiconductor, physical artificial intelligence (AI) and data-center industries is running into a basic but formidable constraint: electricity. A government assessment incorporating demand from its three “mega-projects” estimates that peak power demand could reach 158.4 to 165 gigawatts (GW) in 2040. That is roughly 27 GW higher than the projection…
South Korea's plans to develop cutting-edge technology sectors like semiconductors, AI and data centers are facing a serious hurdle: the country's power supply. According to a government assessment, peak electricity demand could soar from 104 gigawatts (GW) to between 158.4 and 165 GW by 2040. This represents a startling 27 GW increase, comparable to adding the output of nearly 19 large 1.4-GW nuclear reactors.
The jump in demand is a red flag for the nation. At present, Korea's maximum electricity demand is about 104 GW, meaning the projected rise would exceed half of the current capacity within just 14 years. Without a secure power source, South Korea's ambitious industrial goals - including semiconductor clusters, AI investments and data center infrastructure - could prove hollow.
Building these industries without guaranteeing the electricity they demand is like constructing engines without fuel. The latest estimate, unveiled at the fifth meeting of the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity, underscores the urgency of resolving the power crunch to keep Korea's technological ambitions alive.
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.
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- Korea's AI ambition faces power crunch koreatimes.co.kr
