Jeff Bezos Looks to Space, While China Goes Underwater: New Horizons for AI Infrastructure

The demand for computing power continues to rise due to the rapid growth of AI and cloud technologies, pushing today’s data centres to their limits. Companies are exploring alternative ways to host their servers, from ships to underwater facilities, and some believe space could be next. Among them is Jeff Bezos.

The Amazon and Blue Origin founder predicts that in 10–20 years, massive space-based data centres will become a reality. His vision is grounded in the fact that solar energy is continuously available in space and that extreme temperature differences make cooling more efficient. These conditions are ideal for operating large-scale systems. However, such a project would require at least 2.4 million m² of solar panels and could cost over $25 billion, keeping it, for now, in the realm of theory.

Underwater Data Centres: China’s Vision

China is actively developing underwater server infrastructure. The company Highlander is building an underwater module near Shanghai, expected to serve state clients such as China Telecom.

According to Highlander’s vice president, underwater facilities can reduce cooling energy costs by 90%, while about 95% of the required power will come from renewable sources.

Challenges remain, such as metal corrosion and potential harm to marine ecosystems, but solutions are in place: protective glass coatings are used, and water temperatures are constantly monitored, with no abnormal changes detected so far.

The Future of Data Centres

The future of data infrastructure points both upward and downward, to space and beneath the sea. Bezos’s space data centres embody an ambitious dream, while China’s underwater approach offers a practical path toward energy efficiency.

One thing is clear: the computing technologies of tomorrow will no longer be bound to land.