Federal review advances for subsea data center off Nikiski
DeepGreen Cook Inlet SPV LLC's proposal for a 100-megawatt tidal-energy and subsea data center project off Nikiski, Alaska, has advanced to federal review by FERC. The Alaska Energy Authority plans to intervene and oppose the project due to lack of communication regarding its potential connection to the Railbelt grid. Public comments on the preliminary permit application are due by November 2.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has accepted an application from DeepGreen Cook Inlet SPV LLC for a preliminary permit to study a 100-megawatt tidal-energy and underwater computing development in Cook Inlet, off Nikiski, Alaska. The proposed Cook Inlet Subsea-Compute & Infrastructure Hub would involve 330-350 marine hydrokinetic turbines alongside 66 modular data-center pods, utilizing direct electricity generation from the turbines and passive water cooling. A 3.5-mile, 115-kilovolt power and fiber-optic cable would connect to a landing site in the Nikiski industrial corridor.
The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) has stated its intention to intervene and oppose the project, citing DeepGreen's lack of communication regarding the project and its potential connection to the Alaska Railbelt grid. AEA CEO Curtis W. Thayer confirmed the agency's plan, noting the ongoing development of AEA's own Cook Inlet PowerLink project. Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank also reported limited contact from DeepGreen, with only a formal notification letter received by the city.
FERC's acceptance of the application initiates a public comment period, with a deadline of November 2, for comments, motions to intervene, and competing permit applications. The preliminary permit, if issued, would grant DeepGreen priority for a future license to study feasibility but would not authorize any construction. Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC), which is pursuing a separate tidal power project nearby, has clarified it has no affiliation with DeepGreen's proposal, despite DeepGreen's reference to ORPC technology in its filing.