Kim Seong-hwan, the Minister of Climate Energy and Environment, stated that it is difficult to fully incorporate the uncertain power demand from artificial intelligence data centers (AIDC) into the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand. He emphasized the need to consider both corporate investment plans and actual demand when determining the scale of inclusion.
During a comprehensive audit session of the Climate Energy Environment Labor Committee at the National Assembly on October 26, Minister Kim responded to a related inquiry from Lee Jong-bae, a member of the ruling People Power Party, saying, "There are not many confirmed demands at this point." He added, "It is difficult to include vague demands in the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand."
Lee pointed out that discussions within the ministry about reducing AIDC power demand contradict the government's push for large-scale AI investments. He also argued that the move to establish operational standards for AIDC, including mandatory stabilization equipment for the power grid, could increase the burden on operators.
Minister Kim explained that while the initial announcement of three mega-projects aimed to reflect corporate power demand as much as possible, it became necessary to examine the specifics of that demand during the implementation process.
He stated, "We will reflect the necessary amount for AIDC in the 12th Basic Plan, considering the plans and realistic demands of companies, and we will ensure that we do not overestimate or underestimate the figures." However, he did not provide specific adjustment figures during his response.
The method for estimating AIDC power demand was also a point of contention during a query from Park Ji-hye, a member of the Democratic Party. Park noted that if the model demand calculated based on population and economic growth rates is combined with AIDC and mega-project demands, the total power demand could be overstated.
In response, Minister Kim acknowledged that additional industrial demand could be included in the power demand increase due to economic growth and stated that he would review appropriate reflection methods. He explained that he aims to incorporate the opinions of experts and the National Assembly into the final demand forecast as much as possible.
Regarding the establishment of the AIDC grid code, Minister Kim emphasized that it is a necessary measure for the stable growth of the AI industry. He noted that the operational characteristics of AIDC, which consume significant power, must be adequately reflected in power supply contracts and operational standards.
He remarked, "As we have announced plans to establish a dedicated rate system for AIDC, creating an appropriate grid code for AI data centers is essential for the long-term activation of the AI industry."
In response to concerns that the expanding power demand from advanced industries could conflict with the national greenhouse gas reduction targets (NDC), he stated that the government would address this by utilizing both renewable energy and nuclear power.
Minister Kim asserted, "As electricity demand increases, we cannot simply revert to coal-based power generation. We must actively mix renewable energy and nuclear power to cover the rising electricity demand, which is a global trend and the fate of South Korea."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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