GoKawiilDeepGreen seeks FERC permits for underwater data centers near endangered whale habitats
DeepGreen Holdings has filed a preliminary permit application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to build submerged data centers powered by tidal turbines in Cook Inlet, Alaska, and the Gulf of Maine. The Cook Inlet site would use 66 data center pods powered by up to 350 tidal turbines generating 100 megawatts, while the Maine site would use 50 turbines producing 51 megawatts. Both locations overlap with habitats of endangered whale populations, and local communities have objected to the projects.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The plans highlight a tension between growing computing demand and marine conservation, since beluga whales in Cook Inlet number around 300 and North Atlantic right whales near Maine number fewer than 400. Researchers like Arial Brewer suggest construction noise and operational disturbances could stress these 'skittish' animals, which depend on echolocation for survival, though the actual ecological impact remains unconfirmed. Community opposition could also influence whether regulators ultimately approve the permits.
- DeepGreen filed FERC permits for tidal-powered underwater data centers in Alaska and Maine.
- Both proposed sites overlap with habitats of endangered beluga and right whale populations.
- Scientists and local communities have raised concerns about ecological and acoustic disruption.
Source: techspot.com — Alfonso Maruccia, 2026-10-29
Published there as: “Underwater data centers are heading for waters that endangered whales call home”
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