As artificial intelligence (AI) – the defining trend of our era – demands unprecedented volumes of electric power, major energy markets worldwide face the daunting task of resolving complex infrastructure hurdles within a tight timeframe. These critical tasks include optimizing the power generation mix, making substantial investments in transmission networks, modernizing aging electrical equipment, enhancing overall system stability and navigating the energy transition. Historically, structural shifts in power markets unfolded over extended horizons based on long-term planning. However, because the paramount requirement of the AI revolution is rapid, short-term energy supplies, this mandate has become far more burdensome for energy authorities and market participants. Korea is no exception. On June 29, the government officially announced its strategic "Three Major Megaprojects" initiative, which prominently positions semiconductor manufacturing clusters and AI data centers at its core. According to published plans, operating the four proposed semiconductor plants in Gwangju – fo
Labor deregulation push for megaproject zones sparks backlash