As artificial intelligence (AI) gets smarter, it uses more electricity and generates more heat. On l..
https://www.mk.co.kr/en/world/12062011
Publish Date: 2026-05-30 20:47:00
Source Domain: www.mk.co.kr
- AI data centers generate significant heat: Artificial intelligence systems require large amounts of electricity, leading to the generation of extensive heat that necessitates cooling through substantial water use.
- Cooling challenges on land: Onshore data centers face difficulties in securing necessary water and power for cooling, as well as lengthy connection timelines for electricity grids.
- Microsoft’s underwater data center failed: An underwater data center in Scotland by Microsoft solved cooling but became impractical due to the high costs and difficulties involved in replacing parts.
- Floating Data Centers (FDCs) as a new solution: Floating offshore data centers placed on ships or barges offer easier and cheaper component replacement, faster construction timelines, and flexibility in power sourcing.
- Rapid development in floating data centers: Companies like Keppel (Singapore), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (Japan), and Samsung Heavy Industries (South Korea) are developing floating offshore data centers to address urban space shortages and dense populations.
- Emerging interest in space-based data centers: Despite the high initial cost, companies like SpaceX are exploring space-based data centers that could benefit from continuous solar energy, though current launch costs remain prohibitively expensive.
