Proposed underwater data centers raise concerns about whale habitats

AI · First reported 29 Oct, 14:03 · Updated 16:37

DeepGreen has proposed two underwater data centers in areas used by endangered whale populations, but construction has not begun. The available reporting describes possible ecological effects and notes that the projects still require regulatory review.

DeepGreen has proposed facilities beneath Cook Inlet, Alaska, and in the Gulf of Maine; the locations overlap with habitats used by endangered belugas and North Atlantic right whales.
The proposed Cook Inlet facility would use 66 pods and 330–350 tidal turbines, with expected output of 100 megawatts. The Maine proposal would use 50 turbines to provide 51 megawatts.
Researchers and the article describe potential effects from construction and operation, including stress or disruption for whales that use echolocation. The scale of the proposed projects has no directly comparable precedent in the reporting.
Construction has not started. FERC said a preliminary permit does not authorize construction, and required DeepGreen to amend its proposal to provide more information about Indigenous tribes with historical ties to the areas.

Summary written by Lux AI from 3 articles

Key facts

Proposed locations: Cook Inlet, Alaska, and the Gulf of Maine.
Cook Inlet proposal: 66 pods, 330–350 tidal turbines, and expected output of 100 megawatts.
Maine proposal: 50 tidal turbines and 51 megawatts of power.
Whale populations cited: About 300 Cook Inlet belugas; fewer than 400 North Atlantic right whales in the population relevant to the Maine project.
Project status: Construction has not begun; a preliminary permit does not authorize construction.