TLDR: SK Telecom and Schneider Electric have announced an expanded partnership to develop and establish hyperscale AI data centers, focusing on Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. This collaboration, initially revealed at MWC 2025, aims to combine SKT’s AI data center operational expertise with Schneider Electric’s advanced MEP solutions and management platforms to enhance AI infrastructure in Korea and explore global expansion.
SK Telecom (SKT) and Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, have solidified and expanded their strategic partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers. This significant collaboration, initially announced during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, targets the crucial Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems essential for the stability and efficiency of AI data center operations.
The partnership aims to leverage the distinct strengths of both companies. SK Telecom brings its extensive experience in expanding domestic and international AI data center businesses, coupled with its robust AIDC operational capabilities. Schneider Electric contributes its world-class AI data center MEP expertise, comprehensive data center management platform technology—which seamlessly integrates power, cooling, and security—and a long-standing track record of technological prowess in optimized MEP solutions.
Key discussions under this expanded agreement include the construction and establishment of hyperscale AI data centers in regional hubs within Korea. SK Telecom has previously outlined plans to develop a 100-megawatt AI data center in Korea, powered by an impressive 60,000 advanced GPUs, underscoring the scale of their ambition. The collaboration will encompass all facets of MEP systems, including components, product solutions, and consulting services, ensuring a holistic approach to AI data center infrastructure.
SK Telecom CEO Ryu Young-sang emphasized the strategic importance of this alliance, stating, “Our collaboration with Schneider Electric, a world-leading AI data center solutions provider, will not only enhance SK Telecom’s competitiveness in AI data centers but also play a crucial role in expanding our global presence.” Similarly, Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President of Secure Power and Services at Schneider Electric, highlighted the synergy, noting that combining Schneider Electric’s capabilities with SKT’s operational expertise is expected to maximize the cooperation’s impact.
Schneider Electric’s reputation as a sustainable and innovative partner is further bolstered by its recognition as a top firm on Time magazine’s 2024 list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies. This aligns with the growing demand for energy-efficient and environmentally responsible data center solutions, particularly for the power-intensive requirements of AI workloads.
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This partnership signifies a concerted effort to build the foundational infrastructure necessary to support the burgeoning AI industry, ensuring reliable, efficient, and scalable data center operations for the future.
