AI · SEMICONDUCTOR · FACT CHECK
SKD WIREMostly True
A recent government policy discussion has stirred controversy over reports that AI data centers would be required to procure electricity through the national grid rather than securing their own power sources. At a policy meeting between the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment — attended by Science and ICT First Vice Minister Ryu Je-myung and Climate, Energy and Environment Vice Minister Lee Ho-hyun — the direction of power supply arrangements for AI data centers drew attention from industry and lawmakers, prompting criticism framed as "you told us to take power from the national grid."
The inter-ministry policy discussion focused on coordinating energy policy for AI infrastructure, with the two vice ministers representing the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. The phrase "take electricity from the national grid" (전기는 국가망에서 받으라), quoted in the claim, circulated as a summary of the government's stance on how AI data centers should secure power.
Critics argued that such a requirement would contradict expectations that AI data center operators could arrange independent or dedicated power procurement, and the perceived about-face became a point of public contention.
Details of whether the government has formally mandated national grid procurement for AI data centers — and under what conditions exceptions might apply — were not settled in the available record. The characterization of the policy as a binding "regulation" stems from commentary surrounding the meeting rather than a confirmed, finalized rule.
The controversy reflects broader tension between the government's AI infrastructure ambitions and the energy ministry's control over grid planning, an issue expected to remain on the agenda as both ministries continue consultations.
The claim that AI data centers are being told to draw power from the national grid amid regulatory controversy is judged Mostly True.