AI's land problem is pushing data centers into the ocean

Fortune · The Conversation ● Covered by 2 sources

Ocean-based data center projects have expanded for AI and computing needs, despite environmental, regulation, and maintenance hurdles that keep traditional land sites attractive. The article cites a Chinese wind-powered underwater data center that launched in June 2025 and began full commercial operations in May 2026. The result is a shift toward experiments using seawater cooling and offshore power while ongoing analyses focus on how to limit marine thermal impacts and make operations maintainable and approvable.

Why it matters

With 70% of Americans opposed to data centers in their communities, companies from China to Singapore are betting on seawater cooling and offshore siting.