"Offshore wind developer Aikido is planning to submerge a 100-kilowatt demonstration data center off the coast of Norway this year. The small unit will live in the submerged pods of a floating offshore wind turbine. If all goes well, the company hopes to build a larger version to deploy off the coast of the UK in 2028."
"The move offshore could solve a few challenges. Proximity to power is an obvious one, since the source will sit overhead. Winds offshore are more consistent than onshore, and a modest battery could bridge any lulls. Submerged data centers could eliminate concerns from NIMBY groups who oppose data centers near their properties over noise and pollution concerns."
"By floating in cold seawater, cooling the servers would be a simpler proposition. The ocean is a harsh environment. While submerged servers wouldn't be battered by waves, they also wouldn't be completely stationary, so they'd need to be fully battened down. Seawater is also corrosive, so any equipment will need to be hardened against it."
AI data centers face severe power constraints, prompting innovative solutions including space-based servers. Aikido, an offshore wind developer, proposes submerging data centers in floating wind turbine pods off Norway's coast this year, with plans for a larger 10-12 megawatt facility near the UK by 2028. Offshore deployment offers multiple advantages: direct access to consistent wind power, reduced cooling requirements through seawater, and elimination of NIMBY opposition. However, challenges include ocean corrosion, equipment durability, and maintaining stability in dynamic marine environments. Microsoft previously demonstrated feasibility with a 2018 Scotland trial showing minimal server failure rates.
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