- Underwater data centres (UDCs) could help Singapore overcome land scarcity and high energy consumption by leveraging seawater cooling, reducing electricity use, and freeing up valuable land for other industries.
- While UDCs offer sustainability and efficiency benefits, Singapore would need to establish a regulatory framework addressing environmental impact, security risks, and maintenance challenges before large-scale adoption.
Singapore is a global tech and financial hub, but its data centre industry faces growing constraints. As one of the world’s largest data centre markets, the country must balance its digital expansion with sustainability and land limitations. With traditional data centres consuming 7% of Singapore’s electricity and land being scarce, underwater data centres (UDCs)could be a game-changer. But is Singapore ready to take the plunge?
Why Underwater Data Centres?
Underwater data centres are an emerging solution where servers are submerged in deep-sea environments to leverage natural cooling and reduce land footprint. Tech giants like Microsoft have already tested this concept with their Project Natick, proving that submerged data centres can be more energy-efficient, sustainable, and reliable.
For Singapore, UDCs could address three major challenges:
1. Tackling Land Scarcity
Singapore’s land constraints make it difficult to build large-scale data centres. The government has even imposed a temporary moratorium on new data centre developments (since 2019) to limit the strain on resources. Shifting data infrastructure offshore into Singapore’s surrounding waters could free up valuable land for other industries and urban development.
2. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Cooling accounts for nearly 40% of a data centres total energy consumption, and Singapore’s hot, humid climate makes air-conditioning-based cooling inefficient. UDCs naturally leverage seawater for cooling, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling systems. Additionally, submerged data centres can be powered by renewable energy sources, such as offshore solar farms or tidal energy, aligning with Singapore’s net-zero target by 2050.
3. Strengthening Data Infrastructure
Singapore is a major connectivity hub with extensive submarine cable networks linking Asia, the U.S., and Europe. Deploying data centres underwater near these cables could reduce data transmission latency, making digital services faster and more efficient.
Is Singapore Ready for Underwater Data Centres?
While the technical and economic potential of UDCs is clear, Singapore would need to navigate regulatory, environmental, and security considerations before implementation.
Regulatory and Policy ConsiderationsRegulatory and Policy Considerations
Singapore’s data centre regulations are already among the strictest in the world, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Economic Development Board (EDB) have tightened regulations on new data centre developments, emphasizing energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.
To allow UDCs, Singapore would likely need to:
1. Develop a regulatory framework for underwater infrastructure, addressing ownership, cybersecurity, and maintenance responsibilities.
2. Conduct environmental impact assessments to ensure marine ecosystems are not harmed.
3. Collaborate with private tech firms and research institutions to establish pilot projects.
4. Ensure security measures are in place to prevent underwater data breaches or sabotage.
Given Singapore’s proactive approach to innovation, a controlled pilot project could be a likely first step, similar to how the government supports floating solar farms and green data centres.
Challenges to Overcome
Despite the benefits, there are challenges to consider:
• Seawater Corrosion & Maintenance – Saltwater is highly corrosive, requiring specialized materials and design. Remote maintenance for underwater servers would need to be automated or use underwater robotics.
• Environmental Impact – While UDCs can reduce land use and energy consumption, they must be carefully designed to avoid harming marine biodiversity and water quality.
• High Initial Costs – Deploying underwater data centres involves significant R&D and infrastructure investment, which might slow down widespread adoption.
• Legal & Security Risks – Hosting critical national infrastructure in underwater environments introduces new cybersecurity and jurisdictional challenges.
The Future of UDCs in Singapore
Singapore is already a leader in sustainable data centre innovation, with projects exploring liquid cooling, AI-driven energy optimization, and alternative power sources. Given the government’s track record of embracing bold tech-driven solutions, UDCs could be the next frontier.
The most likely path forward would be:
1. A government-backed feasibility study to assess the potential and risks of UDCs.
2. A small-scale pilot project in collaboration with tech firms like Microsoft, Keppel Data Centres, or Singapore’s universities.
3. Regulatory adjustments to accommodate offshore data infrastructure while maintaining security and environmental safeguards.
If successful, Singapore could become a global pioneer in deploying UDCs, reinforcing its position as a high-tech, sustainable digital hub.
Singapore’s data centre industry is at a crossroads. With limited land, rising energy cost, and sustainability pressures, underwater data centres presents a compelling solution. While challenges exist, Singapore has the expertise, infrastructure and regulatory framework to explore this innovation. If policymakers and industry players aligns this vision, the future of data centre in Singapore might just be beneath the waves.
Would you be open to data centres beneath the sea? Share your thoughts!
