LG Uplus Expands AI Data Center Infrastructure
Investment Details:
LG Uplus Corp, a South Korean mobile network operator under LG Corporation, is set to invest an additional 1.3 trillion won (approximately US$ 910 million) in the expansion of its Artificial Intelligence Data Center (AIDC) located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. This move aligns with LG Uplus’s efforts to bolster its AI infrastructure capabilities.
Facility Overview:
- The Paju AIDC boasts a capacity of 200 MW and covers a substantial area of 150,000 square meters, making it the largest AI data center in the broader Seoul metropolitan area.
- The first computer center is expected to be completed by June 2027 and has already obtained all tenancy contracts.
Expansion Plans:
Following board approval on July 29, LG Uplus’s second-phase investment will finance the construction of additional computer centers (2 and 3) and related facilities, with plans for a fourth center underway due to anticipated demand growth.
Operational Strategy:
The “ACE on Trust” strategy emphasizes agility, capacity, and efficiency, particularly as AI workloads evolve towards inference operations requiring increased power, cooling, and flexibility. Key features include:
- Robotic Systems: Continuous monitoring of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and dust to enhance operational stability.
- Collaborative Technology: The center will integrate technologies from various LG Group sectors, leveraging LG Electronics’ liquid cooling solutions and LG Energy Solution’s UPS batteries.
Competitive Edge:
LG Uplus recognizes that the competency of AI data centers goes beyond just size; it hinges on the reliability of infrastructure management. The Paju AIDC is poised to exemplify these capabilities, with advancements including prefabricated modular construction for quicker deployments and a hybrid cooling system that combines air and liquid cooling technologies, improving energy efficiency by 24% compared to traditional methods.
Future Goals:
By 2030, LG Uplus aims to secure 5 trillion won (US$ 3.5 billion) in cumulative AI infrastructure orders and expand its services into comprehensive operations that encompass GPUs and cooling systems.
Shareholder Initiatives:
In parallel with its infrastructure investments, LG Uplus’s board has approved a 90 billion won (US$ 63 million) plan for treasury share acquisitions aimed at enhancing shareholder value. Additionally, an interim dividend of 270 won (US$ 0.19) per share is planned for 2026, representing an 8% increase from the previous year.
For more information, you can visit LG Uplus’s official press release.