- 3GW AI training center and ESS complex to be developed on 3.9 million m2 of land - Governor Yung-rok Kim meets AI Big Tech CEOs, including Alphabet Inc.’s chairman, to encourage investment

[Byeong-seong Kim, Director of the New Growth Industry Department: 286-3910; Hak-jun Kim, Data Industry Team Manager: 286-3960]

On the 26th (local time), a business agreement was signed with Fir Hills, Seonamhaean Enterprise City Development Co., Ltd., and Haenam-gun at the Hyatt Hotel in San Francisco, USA, for the establishment of the “Solaseado AI Supercluster Hub".

About 50 individuals attended the signing ceremony, including Jeonnam Governor Yung-rok Kim, Haenam-gun Mayor Hyun-kwan Myung, Fir Hills Co-Chairman Amin Badr-El-Din, BS (Boseong) Industry Vice Chairman Hyeong-kwon Ko and other key stakeholders.

According to the agreement, a total investment of 15 trillion won―7 trillion won by 2028 and 8 trillion won by 2030―will be allocated to the creation of the world's largest "AI Supercluster Hub" with a capacity exceeding 3GW at the 3.9 million m2 area of Guseong District, Sani-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeonnam. The development will include AI computing infrastructure, data centers, and a large-scale ESS.

Notably, the AI computing infrastructure planned for this site will serve as a training center for AI model research and training, requiring significantly more electricity than a general data center. The "AI Supercluster Hub" in Solaseado is projected to be the world’s largest with capacity of 3GW, surpassing the 2.5GW hub in Northern Virginia, USA or the 1.8GW hub in Beijing, China.

The companies driving this project, Stock Farm Road (SFR, holding company) and Fir Hills (subsidiary company), aim to improve investment feasibility by connecting the networks of Silicon Valley's big tech firms and global investors with Jeonnam’s optimal conditions for an "AI supercluster hub", including its vast land availability, abundant electricity and water resources, a highly skilled workforce, and the implementation of seismic stability and Renewable Energy 100 (RE100). The companies plan to secure funding and attract investment through fundraising from big tech firms and investment firms.

To ensure the power grid expansion, which is key to the success of the project, Jeonnam Province has committed to expediting the construction of a 154kv substation by 2028―two years ahead of schedule―and actively supporting the development of essential infrastructure, including communication networks and water supply system. Administrative and financial support will also be provided in accordance with relevant laws and investment progress.

Additionally, measures are being implemented to facilitate the rapid and smooth execution of the project. Fir Hills is required to finalize the land contract negotiation within a specified period from the date of agreement, with a one-time extension permissible upon mutual consent.

"This agreement not only positions Jeonnam Province as a rapidly emerging AI industry hub but also significantly boosts investment prospects by attracting investment from global big tech firms such as Alphabet and Microsoft," Governor Yung-rok Kim stated. "We are committed to supporting South Korea’s advancement and contribution to the development of the global AI industry in the era of AI transformation."

Jeonnam Province will carry out follow-up tasks to attract big tech firms and ensure this business agreement translates into tangible investment. The next day on the 27th in US local time, Governor Yung-rok Kim is scheduled to meet with Alphabet Chairman John Hennessy, MS Deputy CTO Sam Schillace, and Westley Group Chairman Steve Westley for further discussions.

(“Solaseado AI Supercluster Establishment" Business Agreement 1)
Jeonnam Governor Yung-rok Kim (second from the left), during his visit to the United States, signs a business agreement for the “Solaseado AI Supercluster Establishment" with Fir Hills, Seonamhaean Enterprise City Development Co., Ltd., and Haenam-gun at the Hyatt Hotel in San Francisco, the "heart of the world’s AI," on the 26th (local time).

(“Solaseado AI Supercluster Establishment" Business Agreement 2)
Jeonnam Governor Yung-rok Kim, during his visit to the United States, poses for a commemorative photo with key participants at the signing ceremony of the “Solaseado AI Supercluster Establishment" business agreement held at the Hyatt Hotel in San Francisco, the "heart of the world’s AI," on the 26th (local time).

(“Solaseado AI Supercluster Establishment" Business Agreement 3)
Jeonnam Governor Yung-rok Kim, during his visit to the United States, presents a souvenir to Fir Hills Co-Chairman Amin Badr-El-Din at the signing ceremony of the “Solaseado AI Supercluster Establishment" business agreement held at the Hyatt Hotel in San Francisco, the "heart of the world’s AI," on the 26th (local time).

(“Solaseado AI Supercluster Establishment" Business Agreement 4)
Jeonnam Governor Yung-rok Kim, during his visit to the United States, delivers a welcome speech at the signing ceremony of the “Solaseado AI Supercluster Establishment" business agreement held at the Hyatt Hotel in San Francisco, the "heart of the world’s AI," on the 26th (local time).