Ulsan City and Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) secure $29M government funding for Carbon-Zero Underwater Data Center Standard Model Development Project

The City of Ulsan in South Korea secured a 40 billion won ($29 million) grant from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to develop a 'carbon-zero underwater data center' off the coast of Ulsan. The project, led by Ulsan City and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), will utilize seawater as its primary coolant and combine pressure vessel design with ultra-high-efficiency hybrid cooling technology. Development partners include Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), POSCO, GS Engineering & Construction, and SK Telecom, with site analysis and basic design starting in 2026. Performance testing and an initial demonstration are expected by 2030, followed by large-scale commercial construction from 2031. The modular, standardized data center architecture aims to ensure cost effectiveness and scalability for future underwater data center projects.

Counterparts (7)

Partner

G

GS Engineering & Construction

company

South Korea-based engineering and construction subsidiary of GS Holdings with $61B in assets. Focuses on sustainable infrastructure through modular construction and clean energy projects.

K

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST)

company

POSCO Holdings

company

POSCO Holdings is a South Korean steel-making company that is diversifying into infrastructure-related businesses, including energy transition and resource development. They are actively involved in developing new technologies and securing resources for sustainable growth.

U

Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)

company

SK Telecom

company

SK Telecom is a leading South Korean telecommunications company, providing mobile, fixed-line, and media services. It is actively investing in and developing next-generation infrastructure, including 5G networks, AI data centers, and cloud services, both domestically and through strategic global partnerships.

Lender

M

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

company

borrower

C

City of Ulsan

company