AI Term of the Moment
Google AI Mode
Definition: underwater data center
A data center submerged on the ocean floor near a coastline because seawater cooling is economical. Electrical power is cabled to the module from the land. However, physical security and equipment maintenance are more complicated.
For AI?
Although underwater data centers are being considered for AI, they are not yet viable due to the huge amount of hardware required. Perhaps in time.
China's Underwater Data Center Is Operating
Off the southern island province of Hainan, the first underwater data center for commercial service became available in late 2025. The first "data cabin" holds roughly 500 servers, and there are plans for up to 100 cabins. Contrast with KyotoCooling.
Microsoft Tested This Years Ago
For AI?
Although underwater data centers are being considered for AI, they are not yet viable due to the huge amount of hardware required. Perhaps in time.
China's Underwater Data Center Is Operating
Off the southern island province of Hainan, the first underwater data center for commercial service became available in late 2025. The first "data cabin" holds roughly 500 servers, and there are plans for up to 100 cabins. Contrast with KyotoCooling.
In 2015, Microsoft's Project Natick was a proof-of-concept data center off the California coast. Seawater was pumped through the pipes at the top of the server racks. In service for only a couple months, this 38,000-pound 10x7-foot container held 300 servers. In 2018, a larger module the size of a shipping container was deployed near Scotland. (Image courtesy of Microsoft Corporation.)