Since the summer of 2015, Microsoft has been testing a prototype data center that is completely underwater. The prototype ‘Project Natick’ system is located 30 ft (9.1 m) below the Pacific Ocean’s surface off the coast of California. After the initial testing period, the Microsoft team discovered that the servers were performing better than predicted. Because of that success, the company now is touting submerged data centers as the ‘wave’ of the future. It says such systems can be built faster than conventional data centers and do not need customization. Also, by their very nature, submerged data centers provide better and more efficient cooling than mechanically cooled centers. In addition, water consumption and corrosion issues are mitigated.

(Source: The HVAC&R Industry, March 2, 2017)