Underwater AI Data Centers Expand Across U.S.

A wave of data-center initiatives is emerging globally, including underwater deployments near the U.S. East Coast and Alaska, plus conventional and military-linked centers in the UK and across U.S. bases. In Eastport, Maine, DeepGreen’s underwater data-center project cleared a step in the FERC permitting process but faces strong local and Passamaquoddy opposition and a city moratorium review. A separate Maine filing was resubmitted after addressing initial deficiencies, with the public invited to comment as the permit process continues without immediate construction approval. In Alaska’s Cook Inlet, DeepGreen Cook Inlet SPV proposes a 100-megawatt underwater center cooled by seawater and powered by tides, though local sentiment remains cautious and regulatory pathways are still being evaluated. In the United Kingdom, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is seeking a new data center for LRIT, with readiness targeted for July 1, 2026 and a contract around £1.5 million, though the exact location has not been disclosed. Separately, the U.S. Department of the Air Force is exploring private-sector partnerships to develop data centers on three Alaska bases under an Enhanced Use Lease, aiming to leverage land without compromising missions and creating long-term commercial value.