SK Telecom Launches SK Hyper, Commits $550 Million to Build 15GW AI Data Centre Network
SK Telecom (SKT) has announced the establishment of SK Hyper, a new subsidiary dedicated to developing artificial intelligence data centres (AIDCs), backed by an investment of KRW 750 billion (about US$550 million) through 2030.
The decision was approved by the company's board of directors as part of SK Telecom's strategy to accelerate South Korea's AI infrastructure development and support the country's ambition of becoming a global AI powerhouse.
According to the company, the name SK Hyper reflects its vision of "transcending all limits to unlock infinite possibilities" and its commitment to rapidly scaling hyperscale AI data centre operations.
SK Hyper will spearhead the development of 15 gigawatts (GW) of AI data centre capacity over the medium to long term. Its responsibilities will include securing project sites, constructing and operating substations, acquiring customers and commercialising AI data centre services.
SK Telecom will retain full ownership of the new company and provide phased capital injections as required up to the approved investment ceiling of KRW 750 billion by 2030.
The company expects SK Hyper to play a central role in delivering the South Korean government's large-scale AI infrastructure initiative.
As part of the first phase, SK Telecom plans to bring 5GW of AI data centre capacity online by 2029, before expanding progressively to a total of 15GW by 2035, subject to market demand and industry conditions.
To strengthen execution, SK Telecom recently established an AIDC integrated development division, which reports directly to the chief executive officer and is tasked with bringing together the group's end-to-end AI capabilities.
The company also plans to develop regional AI infrastructure, beginning with a gigawatt-scale AI data centre cluster in Ulsan, followed by additional large-scale facilities in the Chungcheong and Honam regions.
In a related development, SK Hyper's board appointed Chung Suk-geun as the company's inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
Chung currently serves as Head of SK Telecom's AI Company-in-Company (AI CIC) and also leads the AIDC Integrated Development Division, where he oversees efforts to coordinate SK Group's AI data centre projects.
Commenting on the appointment, Chung said SK Hyper's mission is to transform SK Group's vision of making South Korea a leading AI infrastructure hub in Asia into reality.
"SK Hyper's role is to turn SK Group's blueprint for Asia's AI infrastructure hub into reality. Through systematic and rapid execution, we will secure core infrastructure and customers and contribute to Korea's advancement as an AI G3 nation," he said.
The announcement underscores SK Telecom's growing focus on AI infrastructure as global demand for high-performance computing and hyperscale data centres continues to surge.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
