{
  "id": 18923940,
  "title": "Why Can’t AI Data Centers Power Up Immediately, Even Near Power Plants?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/why-cant-ai-data-centers-power-up-immediately-even-near-power-plants",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-08T11:44:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Korea IT Times",
    "slug": "korea-it-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=158910"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "In South Korea, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers has raised questions about why they cannot start operating immediately, even when located near power plants. The answer lies in the complex interplay of infrastructure between the power source and the data center servers. While there may be ample generation capacity, the transmission lines and substations must be capable of delivering the required power reliably to the site. Hana Securities notes that development in South Korea is moving beyond announcements to focus on financing, permitting, construction, and computing supply agreements. However, securing a site near generation capacity is just one part of the process. The availability of power depends on the transmission lines and substations, which act as pipelines and intermediate distribution facilities. Just like having a water supply facility nearby does little for a large factory if the pipes are too narrow or not connected, having a power plant nearby does not guarantee immediate power supply to a data center. Power plant capacity must be complemented by adequate grid infrastructure.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}