ESG

Eco-Friendly Data Center

Located in Pangyo, NHN Cloud Center (NCC) is an urban eco-friendly data center that incorporates NHN's cutting-edge technology to create a highly efficient and environmentally conscious facility by implementing indirect evaporative cooling system, which minimizes the power for cooling IT equipment. This innovative cooling solution not only reduces energy consumption but also ensures high reliability of Tier 3 and above as well as optimal operating efficiency. NHN's continuous efforts to enhance energy efficiency are evident in the NCC's Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rating, ranging from 1.2 to 1.3. NHN's commitment to sustainability goes beyond the present, as they are dedicated to developing and implementing even more advanced eco-friendly technologies, continuously striving to surpass current industry standards. Through energy-saving projects conducted from 2017 to 2023, NHN has successfully saved about 43.85 TJ worth of energy which resulted in cost savings of around KRW 520 million. The exceptional achievements of NHN have been recognized through prestigious awards: NHN was honored with the 2021 Voluntary Energy Efficiency Target System Outstanding Workplace award, acknowledging their outstanding commitment to energy efficiency. In 2019, NHN received the Energy Status (CO2 Reduction Award) and the Energy Champion award, further validating their dedication to sustainable practices and their industry leadership. In 2023, we took a significant step towards transitioning to renewable energy by procuring 80 MWh of renewable energy. As part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, we endeavor to further integrate more renewable energy as implicated by installing solar facilities.

NCC Environmentally Friendly Design

Improving Energy Efficiency

NHN implemented an indirect evaporative cooling system and upper air conditioning to maximize cooling efficiency and enhance energy efficiency since planning and designing the data center. NHN utilized an indirect evaporative cooling technology, the first to be patented in Korea, eliminating the need for direct water usage in the cooling process. This approach significantly enhances cooling efficiency while minimizing electricity use. We have effectively separated cold and hot aisles with partitions reducing power losses. Additionally, the mist spraying devices adopted for cooling helps to lower the outside air temperature taken in through the air conditioning units.

Highly Integrated Operating Environment

To accommodate highly integrated operating environments within the data center, NHN has constructed modular server rooms considering the IT life cycle. NHN has also developed its own width-adjustable racks, allowing for flexible adaptation to IT equipment upgrades or replacements. This approach enhances operational efficiency by maximizing the resource use. Moreover, NHN ensures power stability by utilizing Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which offers high-density capacity and a stable power supply for cloud computing. NHN provides an agile operating environment that guarantees a rapid responsiveness to customer requirements by minimizing the downtime for servers and network facility.

National AI Data Center

In October 2023, NHN Cloud's 2.0 strategy witnessed a significant milestone with the opening of the "National AI Data Center," which is a pivotal element in NHN's technological prowess. To optimize energy efficiency, the National AI Data Center installed wall-type cooling system on both sides of the computer room to cool down the data center server room, providing the same amount of cool air per square meter equivalent to the combined output of 292 household fans from both directions. We have also implemented a shielding mechanisms to prevent cold air from mixing with hot air. A system for monitoring all facilities in the data center is also equipped as well as the Peak Energy Saving (ESS) system to curb power peaks and harness late-night electricity. Thanks to all these concerted efforts, we now have realized a substantial energy savings amounting to 8,892.74 MWh annually. Such achievement equates to a reduction of about 85 TJ of total energy and 4,085tCO₂eq of greenhouse gas emissions per year, which is equivalent to the amount of greenhouse gas absorbed by 448,947 30-year-old pine trees in Korea every year.

*Applied 9.1 kgCO₂eq as the annual CO₂ uptake of a 30-year-old pine tree (National Academy of Forestry Sciences)