World's largest AI data centre to rival Microsoft, Google

Fir Hills Inc part of Stock Farm Road, Inc. (SFR), a new venture co-founded by LG Electronics scion Brian Koo and Dr. Amin Badr-El-Din, the driver behind a host of successful technology, energy and public-private partnerships across the globe, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Governor Kim of the Jeollanam-do Province to develop a state-of-the-art AI data centre in  South Korea.

Initially the project size is estimated at north of $10 billion (15 trillion KRW) and the potential to reach $35 billion (50 trillion KRW). This project represents a significant milestone in Korea's global technological leadership.

Project scale and economic impact

This initiative will establish one of the world's largest AI data centres, scaling up to 3 gigawatts of capacity. The facility will feature advanced cooling infrastructure, regional and international fibre bandwidth, and the ability to handle significant and sudden variations in energy load. It will serve as a foundation for next-generation AI enablement, fostering innovation and economic growth in the region and beyond.

The Jeollanam-do centre, set to begin construction in Winter 2025 with completion in 2028, will create over 10,000 jobs across Energy Supply and Storage (ESS), renewable energy production, equipment supply, and research and development (R&D). The centre will serve millions of people, including hundreds of major corporations – such as hyperscalers – and developers.

The data centre services market is projected to reach $438.3 billion by 2030. As part of this rapidly growing industry, the 3GW data centre will play a key role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

“This is more than just a technological milestone; it's a strategic leap forward for Korea's global technological leadership,” said Dr. Amin Badr-El-Din, Co-Founder of SFR. "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 partnership leverages the unique strengths of both organisations. SFR brings its expertise in transforming energy infrastructure into intelligence through its innovative Energy-to-Intelligence (e2i²) engine, while other parts of the SFR group bring access to capital through its extensive network, financial resources, and profound understanding of both Asian and Western markets. The collaborative approach ensures accelerated access to critical resources and facilitates seamless integration with government initiatives.

Brian Koo, Co-Founder of SFR, emphasised the transformative potential of this project. “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. This data centre is not merely an infrastructure project, but the launchpad for a new digital industrial revolution.”

The Jeollanam-do government has provided crucial support, including securing necessary permits and approvals, and ensuring access to essential resources. This partnership underscores the commitment of regional and national leaders to fostering technological innovation and economic development.

This project marks the first phase in SFR's broader global strategy, as the company plans to establish similar AI infrastructure partnerships across Asia, Europe, and the United States over the next 18 months. The company's growing network of strategic relationships positions SFR to lead the next generation of intelligent infrastructure development.

The collaborative effort emphasises the building of bridges between East and West, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and technological advancement. By combining traditional industries with future technologies, this partnership lays the groundwork for the next generation of global innovation.