Oil
South Korea explores fuel-cell-powered AI data centre
SK eternix and Mastern Investment Management have partnered to study an off-grid, fuel-cell-linked artificial intelligence data facility in Seoul.
Key points
- SK eternix and Mastern signed a memorandum of understanding in Seoul.
- The facility aims to use stationary fuel cells for direct power supply.
- The project remains in the feasibility and planning stage.
What happened
According to Hydrogen Fuel News, SK eternix Co., Ltd. and Mastern Investment Management have entered into an agreement to investigate the development of a fuel-cell-powered artificial intelligence data centre in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The collaboration brings together a renewable energy developer and an investment manager to evaluate an integrated off-grid energy and computing framework.
Why it matters
The initiative proposes placing stationary fuel-cell generation units on-site, connecting them directly behind the switchgear of the facility. This configuration aims to test independent power generation for energy-intensive artificial intelligence infrastructure, bypassing traditional grid constraints.
What comes next
Essential parameters of the project are still under evaluation. Both entities are currently conducting feasibility assessments to determine the technical and financial viability of the proposed generation-and-compute model before proceeding with further development steps.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
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Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.