Proposed Eastport underwater AI data center off coast one step closer
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has accepted a revised preliminary permit application from Deep Green for an underwater AI data center off Eastport, Maine. Residents are concerned about environmental and fishing industry impacts, leading the Eastport City Council to enact a 180-day moratorium on data center permits. This pause allows for further research and community input.
The proposed underwater AI data center off the coast of Eastport, Maine, has taken a step forward as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accepted a revised preliminary permit application from Massachusetts-based developer Deep Green. This development comes amid significant local concern regarding the project's potential environmental impacts and its effects on the local fishing industry.
In response to these concerns, the Eastport City Council recently approved a 180-day moratorium, temporarily halting the issuance of data center permits. Deep Green stated that this pause would provide the company with time to conduct research in the area, while city leaders indicated it would allow more time to address zoning questions and gather community input. Although the moratorium guarantees no permits will be issued for at least six months, potentially renewable thereafter, officials noted it does not affect the FERC permit process. Residents have raised questions about the project's heat output, water effects, and potential land presence in Eastport. If granted, the preliminary FERC permit would allow Deep Green to conduct engineering and environmental studies but not commence construction.