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Government Moves to Lower Entry Barriers for AIDC, Easing Criteria Ahead of Subordinate Regulation Notice

Policy2 min read

South Korea's government is planning to loosen the rules for what counts as an AI data center (AIDC) before it publishes the detailed implementing rules. The change would make it easier for existing data centers to qualify.

The government plans to ease AIDC rules

The government is reportedly changing the draft rules for AI data centers (AIDC) so that many more facilities can qualify. The change responds to requests from industry. It also lets existing data centers qualify even if only part of their space is converted to AI use. The rules could be published for public comment as early as this week.

What the AIDC law does

The AIDC special law was passed to build more AI data centers and make Korea more competitive. For AIDC projects outside the capital area that meet certain conditions, the law waives the power grid impact review. This makes permits easier and helps get infrastructure built faster.

Key numbers in the draft and the new plan

  • Original draft, rule 1: AI equipment uses at least 10 megawatts (MW) of power in total.
  • Original draft, rule 2: AI equipment uses at least 300 kilowatts (kW) and makes up at least 60% of all IT equipment power.
  • New plan for rule 1: lower the total to about 5 MW.
  • New plan for rule 2: minimum drops to 250 kW (about 280 GPUs), and the share drops to 50%. NPUs get a separate 30% rule.
  • Exemption cap: the Ministry of Science and ICT proposed 100 MW and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment proposed 50 MW. The 100 MW level is reportedly favored.

Why this matters

Lower rules make it easier for companies to call their facilities AI data centers and get the benefits. This is especially helpful for existing data centers, which cannot easily switch fully to AI use. The change could speed up AI infrastructure, but the final rules are still not set.

What to watch

  • The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to collect industry views early next week.
  • The official public comment period for the sub-rules is expected soon after that.
  • The final exemption cap, either 100 MW or 50 MW, is still being discussed between the two ministries.

Glossary

AIDC
AI data center: a data center built mainly for AI computing work.

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