■ SK Innovation signs MOU to build Vietnam’s AI ecosystem and key infrastructure
■ Partners with Nghe An Province to connect the Quynh Lap LNG Power Project with AI data center development
SK Innovation is deepening its commitment to Vietnam’s future growth by forging strategic partnerships aimed at establishing a robust AI ecosystem and essential infrastructure in the region.
On April 23 (local time), at the Korea-Vietnam Business Forum in Hanoi, SK Innovation signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the Nghe An Provincial Government and Vietnam’s National Innovation Center (NIC). Through these agreements, SK aims to establish itself as a core partner in Vietnam’s national AI strategy. The company will lay the groundwork for the first overseas deployment of the “Korean AI Full-Stack” model by leading initiatives ranging from building AI data centers and ensuring a stable power supply, to developing AI models and expanding industry-specific AI services.
The ceremony was attended by key leaders including Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group; Choo Hyeong-wook, CEO of SK Innovation; Jung Jai-hun, CEO of SK Telecom; Ngo Van Tuan, Vietnamese Minister of Finance; Nguyen Khac Than, Secretary of the Party Committee of Nghe An Province; Vo Trong Hai, Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee; and Vu Quoc Huy, Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC).
| Facilitating AI Data Center Initiatives: The Quynh Lap LNG Project in Nghe An
SK Innovation and SK Telecom will work closely with Nghe An Province to develop AI data centers, leveraging the infrastructure of the Quynh Lap LNG Power Project.
• Energy Solutions (SK Innovation):
To ensure reliable energy supply for data centers by connecting them to the 1.5GW Quynh Lap LNG power plant—Vietnam’s largest LNG project, scheduled for completion in 2030. SK Innovation will also explore establishing dedicated power generation for the centers.
• AI Technology and Operations (SK Telecom):
To lead the planning, development, and operation of AI data centers, and to explore strategies for securing global demand and investment opportunities.
• Administrative and Policy Support (Nghe An Province):
To provide support for permits, administrative procedures, and coordination with relevant ministries, as well as to offer policy incentives to help advance the partnership’s objectives.
Project Overview: Quynh Lap LNG Power Project (SK Innovation)
| Category | Details |
| Project Scale | Construction of a 1,500MW (1.5GW) combined cycle gas-fired power plant |
| Key Facilities | Simultaneous construction of a 250,000m³ LNG terminal and dedicated port |
| Timeline | Groundbreaking in 2027; targeted completion and commercial operation in 2030 |
| Partnership | Consortium of SK Innovation, PV Power, and NASU |
From the earliest stages, SK Innovation proposed integrating SK Group’s AI and semiconductor expertise to cultivate high-value industries around the power plant—a vision now taking shape through these partnerships. At the forum, Nghe An’s government presented SK Innovation’s consortium with the official Investment Registration Certificate (IRC), reaffirming its commitment to the project.
SK Innovation CEO Choo Hyeong-wook commented, “Building on SK’s strengths in energy solutions, we are committed to supporting Vietnam’s infrastructure needs and advancing the country’s economic leap through AI and energy innovation.”
Choo Hyeong-wook, CEO of SK Innovation, delivered a presentation titled Vietnam’s Economic Leap Forward Through AI and Energy Innovation. He emphasized SK’s commitment by stating: “Leveraging SK’s extensive experience in large-scale power generation and energy solutions, we are committed to successfully completing the development of Vietnam’s local power infrastructure without delay.”
| Building Vietnam’s AI Future: Collaboration with the NIC
SK Innovation and SK Telecom also signed a comprehensive MOU with the National Innovation Center (NIC), Vietnam’s government-backed hub for advanced technology and startup growth. Established by the Vietnamese government in 2019, NIC serves as the nation’s leading innovation hub, spearheading initiatives in AI, semiconductors, and investment attraction. The partnership will focus on building AI data centers, developing energy infrastructure, and fostering policies to nurture the local AI industry.
• SK Innovation:
To provide energy solutions for AI data centers and related industries.
• SK Telecom:
To bring technological expertise and support investment attraction for Vietnam’s AI ecosystem.
• NIC:
To coordinate with government agencies, improve regulations, and connect local partners.
| A Legacy of Partnership
SK has maintained a longstanding partnership with Vietnam across various fields—including energy, information and communications, investment, and social contribution. This relationship began with the late Chairman Chey Jong-hyon’s oil development project in the 1990s.
With this new collaboration, SK Innovation aims to further strengthen its role as a key partner in Vietnam’s national AI strategy and deepen its cooperative relationship with the country.
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