▴ Developing a hyperscale PMDC with LG Uplus, GS E&C, Xi C&A and D&O CM

▴ New-build and retrofit models developed in parallel — shorter construction periods, consistent quality and scalability

Gansam is developing a standard design model for the Pre-fabricated Modular Data Center (PMDC), a method aimed at improving the construction speed and scalability of AI data centers (AIDC).

On September 4, Gansam signed a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of the PMDC Alliance with LG Uplus, GS E&C, Xi C&A and D&O CM at LG Uplus Pyeongchon Mega Center in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province.

The signing ceremony was attended by the chief executives of the five participating companies.

The agreement was pursued to establish a PMDC standard model that shortens the construction period of AI data centers while securing consistent quality and future scalability.

As AI semiconductor and server technologies advance, the power density and equipment requirements of data centers are changing rapidly. This has increased the importance of standardized and modular approaches that accelerate initial construction while responding flexibly to changes in technology and demand.

PMDC is a construction method in which building structures and power and cooling systems are standardized, pre-fabricated at factories, and then assembled and installed on site. Compared with conventional on-site construction, it reduces the construction period and on-site risks, improves quality consistency, and makes it easier to expand facilities in stages as demand changes.

The participating companies will develop a 100MW hyperscale PMDC, covering both a new-build model for greenfield sites and a retrofit model that converts existing buildings into AI data centers.

Drawing on experience from more than 80 data center design projects, Gansam will develop PMDC standard design modules and design solutions optimized for AI data centers. At the site review stage, the firm will take charge of site-specific master planning and permitting, and will support the application of the PMDC model through design optimization.

LG Uplus will define operational standards and technical requirements, set the business direction and verify the model. GS E&C will provide constructability reviews, process optimization and EPC capabilities for the new-build model, while Xi C&A will develop models utilizing existing buildings and optimize power and cooling. D&O CM will support overall construction management (CM).

By combining their expertise in design, construction, operation and CM, the participating companies plan to establish a PMDC standard model that can be applied to a wide range of sites and business conditions.

Muchan Park, President of Gansam, said, “For AI data centers, what matters is not only the speed of initial construction but also the flexibility to continuously expand and respond to changes in technology and demand,” adding, “We will develop the data center design experience Gansam has accumulated into a PMDC standard design model and help build an infrastructure foundation that can meet industry demand.”