Microsoft's Natick Project: Undersea Data Center Experiment Results
Microsoft submerged 855 servers in nitrogen-filled capsules off Scotland for two years, yielding significantly lower failure rates. Despite success, the company has shelved plans for underwater data centers, raising industry questions about future applications.
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The Microsoft Natick Project involved submerging 855 servers in nitrogen-filled capsules at a depth of 35 meters near the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Over two years, the underwater data center demonstrated an impressive failure rate of only 0.7%, compared to 5.9% for similar servers on land.
The project began in 2013, with the first successful test in 2015. The final underwater test began in 2018, using refurbished equipment. Microsoft has since decided against further underwater data centers, citing practical and operational challenges. The concept remains viable, with other companies exploring similar initiatives, particularly amid rising demand for efficient digital infrastructure.
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