Building data centers and distributed power facilities has recently emerged as a pressing task in addressing AI bottlenecks that require substantial data and electricity. AI bottlenecks are not simply a matter of securing the necessary data and electricity supplies. They can also cause electricity shortages, leading to blackouts in residential and industrial areas, and potentially disrupt core computer networks. Electricity rate increases could also become a serious social issue.
Building a data center therefore involves more than constructing the facility itself. Because power generation facilities, ranging from nuclear to solar, must also be brought in, data center construction is a significant issue that requires local residents' safety to be considered first.
In the United States, concerns are also growing over electricity shortages and various social issues associated with building data centers and generation facilities to address AI bottlenecks.
In South Korea, where financial groups are leading data center development, calls have emerged for proactive environmental, social and governance management that pursues mutual benefits with local communities to resolve local conflicts. This means that data center construction and cooperation with local communities need to proceed together.
Recently, an approach to resolving local conflict over data center construction in Guro 1-dong was presented, placing the highest priority on addressing potential safety issues for residents.
Resident briefing addresses safety and environmental issues, with experts explaining electromagnetic fields, noise, heat emissions and fire safety
The project developer and residents gathered in Guro 1-dong, Guro District, Seoul, to discuss the planned data center. Questions continued about its effects on the living environment, including electromagnetic fields, noise and fire, but the briefing proceeded calmly. Project representatives and experts presented supporting materials in their answers, while residents carefully checked matters of concern.
About 60 local residents attended the resident briefing on the data center development project at the SK Rent-a-Car site in Guro 1-dong, held on October 30 in the small auditorium at Guro Arts Valley in Seoul's Guro District. At the briefing organized by K-Square Manus Data Center Guro PFV, participants received information on the project plan, architectural outline, and living-environment and safety management plans. Seed Architects, responsible for the architectural design, and specialists in individual fields answered residents' questions and listened to their views.
Unlike recent cases elsewhere in Seoul and the metropolitan area, where residents have continued to oppose data center construction and some briefings have been disrupted, the developer and residents engaged in a smooth question-and-answer session that day.
Continued advance communication by the Guro District Office and the PFV also contributed to the orderly briefing. The district office had emphasized the need for communication to ensure that residents' views on data center construction were fully conveyed. The developer also prepared review materials from specialist institutions and arranged an opportunity for direct dialogue with residents.
Residents focus on effects on the living environment, with agreement through discussion seen as important
Residents focused on the data center's effects on the surrounding living environment. They asked about the health effects of electromagnetic fields, noise and heat from cooling equipment, and the possibility of fire.
On electromagnetic fields, experts explained the data center's electricity supply arrangement and surrounding field levels using predictions from the Mirae Radio Engineering Research Institute, a specialist electromagnetic field measurement institution. The facility will receive electricity through a 22.9kV system, a standard urban distribution arrangement, without new extra-high-voltage transmission towers or lines. An expert explained electromagnetic field measurement results and human exposure protection standards by comparing them with everyday devices such as mobile phones and electric rice cookers.
Given that data centers operate 24 hours a day, residents also asked about nighttime noise and heat emissions from cooling equipment. The NSV Technology Research Institute, a specialist in noise and acoustical engineering, introduced noise-reduction measures including silencers and soundproof panels. It also explained that air-cooled equipment operating on principles similar to ordinary air conditioners could reduce issues involving white plumes of water vapor from cooling towers and cooling-water discharge.
On fire safety, representatives outlined safety management plans including separate fire compartments for battery rooms, automatic fire detection and extinguishing equipment, and a 24-hour monitoring system. Participants also discussed ways to reduce inconvenience to residents from construction noise, dust and construction vehicle traffic.
Residents also wanted to know whether electromagnetic fields and noise could be monitored continuously after completion and what procedures would be available to address any problems. The PFV made clear that it would establish a channel for continued communication with residents and respond diligently to inquiries.
The briefing provided an opportunity to begin building trust between the community and the developer and to broaden agreement on the project. The article regards it as significant that the Guro District Office's resident outreach and the developer's explanations together established a basis for addressing local issues through dialogue and consultation rather than simple confrontation between supporters and opponents.
Briefing eases concerns and supports continued community communication
A Guro 1-dong resident identified by the surname Yang said: “It is true that I had vague concerns whenever I heard about data centers. Today's briefing was meaningful because hearing the experts' explanations and answers to my questions helped ease those concerns somewhat.”
A PFV representative said: “We will thoroughly review the opinions and suggestions residents have shared and work to reflect them as the project proceeds. We plan to continue communicating steadily with the local community.”
Meanwhile, attention is also turning to data centers' positive effects on local economies. According to National Assembly Research Service materials recently released by Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Jung-ah, the production inducement effect of a 100MW data center is estimated at approximately 500 billion to 3.5 trillion won, depending on the analytical assumptions. As data center construction and operation generate demand across industries including construction, electrical work, telecommunications and facility management, the Guro 1-dong data center is also expected to generate a production inducement effect commensurate with its size and contribute to local economic activity.
Original Korean article: sisacast.kr
English brief by Korea Wind Intelligence, koreawindintel.com
