Underwater Data Centers: Winners & Losers
Do you remember the underwater data centers Microsoft was experimenting since 2018? At the time, the concept seemed futuristic and somewhat audacious, yet it held the promise of revolutionizing how we think about data storage and server management. Despite boasting an impressive one-eighth of the failure rate compared to traditional on-land data centers, Microsoft has since concluded its undersea data center research. The tech giant’s foray into this watery frontier may have ended, but the story doesn’t stop there. In 2023, China launched its own submerged server project, reigniting interest in the potential of underwater data centers.
Pros of Underwater Data Centers
Low Cooling Costs
One of the most significant advantages of underwater data centers is the naturally cool environment provided by the ocean. Cooling is a major operational cost for data centers, as servers generate substantial heat. By utilizing the surrounding water to dissipate heat, these underwater facilities can drastically reduce their cooling expenses. This not only cuts costs but also diminishes the environmental impact of energy-hungry cooling systems.
