Samsung Electronics and SK hynix plan to add at least two semiconductor fabrication plants in Gwangju by 2040, expanding an earlier four-fab plan for South Korea’s Honam region. The move would bring the region’s planned memory-chip fabs to at least six, with potential for further additions, as the chip boom lasts longer than expected. The government now estimates peak power demand could reach 165 gigawatts by 2040, up from the 138.2GW forecast disclosed in April. Semiconductor-related demand alone has risen by 20.6GW from an earlier 4GW estimate. Annual electricity generation is projected at 847.3-885.1 terawatt-hours, compared with 657.6-694.1TWh previously and 596TWh last year. The expanded forecast reflects the early completion of the Yongin semiconductor complex, a new Honam cluster, fab expansions in Pyeongtaek and Cheongju, and additional southwestern-region proposals. The government is reviewing nuclear, renewable, grid and other carbon-free generation options while working to ensure that electricity and water do not delay the projects.