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Martina Raveni, senior analyst at GlobalData, told RCRTech that the deployment costs of subsea DCs are high as companies need to design, build, and then deploy the infrastructure in the ocean
As demand for AI and high-performance computing accelerates, companies are exploring unconventional infrastructure models, including subsea and space-based data centers. However, these emerging approaches face significant technical and economic barriers.
According to Martina Raveni, senior analyst at GlobalData, the challenges are particularly acute in extreme environments. “I’d say that the main challenges for these two types of data centers are technical and economical,” she said.
For subsea deployments, the operating environment itself introduces complexity. “The underwater environment is very challenging because you need specialized maintenance if you need to repair. For example, you need to retrieve the entire module… and of course, it may result in downtime.”
Environmental risks also remain a concern. Raveni noted that temperature fluctuations could damage components, while the ecological impact of ocean-based systems is still under evaluation. “We’re putting data centers in the ocean also because we could use the seawater for cooling, and this might harm the environment… any chemical contamination can be possible.”
Costs are another major barrier for subsea data centers. “The deployment costs are high because you need to design, build, and then deploy this data center in the ocean,” she said, adding that upfront investment requirements are significant.
Regulation further complicates deployment. “Maritime jurisdiction is quite complex… companies… will definitely navigate a complex regulatory environment,” she said, pointing to the need for permits from environmental agencies and governments.
Space-based data centers face even greater technical uncertainty. “The space environment is challenging, even if not more than the ocean,” Raveni said, citing risks such as debris collisions. “Even small objects can harm all kinds of spacecraft.”
Thermal management remains a critical unresolved issue. “We still need to have a validation of the technology that is able to sustain the amount of heat that the data center dissipates in space,” she said.
Costs again represent a major constraint. “Launching costs are high, are incredibly high,” she said, noting that maintenance could require autonomous systems or even human missions.
Regulatory complexity also extends beyond Earth. “Space jurisdiction is a complex matter… I’m thinking about space traffic management or compliance with international space agreements,” Raveni said.
Overall, Raveni emphasized that while regulation matters, the primary barriers today remain technological and economic. “I think the challenges are more technical and economic at the moment.”
