South Korea is preparing to host the world’s largest AI data centre by capacity, setting its sights on global technological leadership.
The monumental project, led by Fir Hills – a division of California-based Stock Farm Road, Inc. (SFR) – is expected to commence construction in winter 2025 and aims to generate an initial annual revenue of $3.5 billion.
The facility, located in the Jeollanam-do Province, is the result of a strategic collaboration between seasoned innovators. SFR was co-founded by LG heir Brian Koo and Dr Amin Badr-El-Din, a veteran of successful ventures in technology, energy, and global public-private partnerships.
“This is more than just a technological milestone; it’s a strategic leap forward for Korea’s global technological leadership,” said Dr Badr-El-Din.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Stock Farm Road and the Jeollanam-do government to build this crucial infrastructure, creating an unprecedented opportunity to build the foundation for next-generation AI.”
The initial project is valued at over $10 billion, with the potential to grow to $35 billion. Upon completion in 2028, the centre will boast a 3-gigawatt capacity, making it the largest AI data facility in the world.
The centre is designed to meet the sophisticated requirements of next-generation AI, featuring advanced cooling infrastructure, cutting-edge fibre bandwidth for regional and global connectivity, and the capability to manage significant and sudden energy load variations.
This level of infrastructural sophistication not only promises bolstered AI innovation but is also a boon for South Korea’s economy. With projections suggesting that the burgeoning data centre services market will grow to $438.3 billion by 2030, South Korea’s 3GW behemoth positions itself as a pivotal player in the industry.
“Having witnessed firsthand the immense technological capabilities of large Asian enterprises, I recognise the potential of this project to elevate Korea and the region to a new level of technological advancement and economic prosperity,” commented Koo.
“This data centre is not merely an infrastructure project, but the launchpad for a new digital industrial revolution.”
A data centre for the future of South Korea
The scale of the project translates into major economic gains for the Jeollanam-do Province and beyond.
The initiative is expected to create over 10,000 jobs spanning various sectors, including energy supply and storage (ESS), renewable energy production, equipment manufacturing, and research and development (R&D).
Moreover, the data centre’s services will benefit millions, catering to the needs of hundreds of large corporations—hyperscalers and developers among them.
The centre’s development is only the first step in a broader strategy by SFR. Future projects are already on the horizon, as the company plans to establish AI infrastructure partnerships across Asia, Europe, and the US in the next 18 months.
SFR’s expertise in Energy-to-Intelligence (e2i²) forms the backbone of this push, transforming traditional energy infrastructure into platforms for advanced AI innovation.
With access to significant financial resources and a robust network extending across both Asian and Western markets, SFR could lead the next generation of global intelligent infrastructure.
In just over a decade, South Korea has transformed into a technological powerhouse. With companies like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai leading in their respective sectors, the nation is now solidifying its standing in AI and data infrastructure.
The massive Jeollanam-do AI data centre underscores how strategically aligned public-private partnerships can foster innovation on a monumental scale. By establishing such a colossal infrastructure project, South Korea is furthering its ambitions to catalyse a true digital industrial revolution.
See also: UK must act to secure its semiconductor industry leadership
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