Ruling Party's Mega Growth Committee: "Focus on Power for Physical AI and Data Centers... Pass Law and Budget This Year"

People Power Party claims substations in Yeongnam will be taken for the southwestern region
"Absurd provocation... Climate ministry to develop new power generation"

The Democratic Party of Korea's Mega Growth Special Committee and the government reviewed the budget proposals for next year for mega-projects on Nov. 13, including power supply for physical artificial intelligence (AI) and AI data centers.

Assemblyman Jang Cheolmin, the committee's secretary, told reporters during a budget briefing session held by the Mega Growth Special Committee at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that day, "Beyond next year's budget, power will be the area receiving the largest investment over the long term."

Kwon Chilseung, standing vice chair of the Mega Growth Special Committee, delivers opening remarks at a budget briefing held by the committee at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 13th. Photo by Yoon Dongju, reporter.

Assemblyman Jang said, "The same applies to physical AI and AI data centers. Overall, the investment amounts are substantial, and we need to build power infrastructure proactively. We estimate that 80 trillion won will be needed for the power sector over the next 10 years, with 50 trillion won to be provided in government funding."

He added, "The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment plans to shorten project timelines through measures such as 'demand-attraction-type substations' and address power supply issues that involve uncertainty."

Regarding the People Power Party's claims about the mega-projects, Assemblyman Jang said, "We confirmed that the claim that substations in the Yeongnam region would be taken away for the semiconductor project in the southwestern region is completely untrue. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has settled on a position of developing new power generation, as it would be inappropriate to invite misunderstanding even through baseless provocation."

Assemblyman Lee Kwangjae, the committee's senior vice chair, said in his opening remarks, "The law on mega-special zones will pass within the year, and the budget for it will also be approved within the year, so we will set in motion the two wheels of legislation and budget."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.