South Korea urged to reset power plan for AI, chips

South Korea urged to reset power plan for AI, chips

South Korea urged to reset power plan for AI, chips

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/07/07/ai-data-center-nuclear-power/1241783473458/

Publish Date: 2026-07-07 21:24:00

Source Domain: www.upi.com

  • South Korea needs to revise its national power supply plan because the electricity demand from AI data centers and semiconductor plants will exceed earlier forecasts.
  • The government plans to announce 18.4 gigawatts worth of AI data centers and four semiconductor plants needing 6.3 gigawatts of power each.
  • The estimated electricity demand from these projects is much higher than what was expected under South Korea’s 11th Basic Plan for Long-Term Electricity Supply and Demand.
  • Experts recommend redesigning the energy mix to include nuclear power, renewable energy, thermal power, transmission grids, and energy storage systems.
  • South Korea should also keep running nuclear and thermal power plants while planning for the construction of at least four additional nuclear reactors.