Naver, Kakao intensify efforts to reduce carbon emissions

[Photo by each company]

South Korean platform giants Naver Corp. and Kakao Corp. are stepping up efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their internet data centers (IDCs), which are crucial for artificial intelligence (AI) operations.

According to industry sources on Sunday, Naver and Kakao have set a common goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Naver, for instance, has incorporated several eco-friendly features in its GAK Sejong data center, which began full operations in November last year.

The center utilizes solar power generation and natural wind for server room cooling.

Naver has also implemented a system that repurposes the heat generated by the servers to supply hot water.

Similarly, Kakao has prioritized the installation of environmentally friendly facilities in its first self-operated IDC, the Kakao Data Center Ansan, which started operations in January this year.

Kakao expects the efforts will allow it to reduce energy consumption by approximately 30 percent.