Alaska fishing and wildlife groups raise alarm over underwater Cook Inlet data center proposal
Fishing and wildlife groups, along with the Kenai Peninsula Borough, are opposing a proposed 100-megawatt underwater data center by DeepGreen in Alaska's Cook Inlet. Concerns include potential harm to salmon fisheries and endangered beluga whales from noise, pollution, and heat, as well as the company's lack of experience. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has opened a public comment period on DeepGreen's preliminary permit application.
Alaskan fishing and wildlife advocacy groups, along with the Kenai Peninsula Borough, have filed motions to intervene against an underwater data center proposal in Cook Inlet. DeepGreen Cook Inlet, an East Coast company, seeks to build a 100-megawatt subsea data center with 350 underwater turbines and 66 "hives" for AI servers, powered and cooled by Cook Inlet's water.
Louis Wolfson, a managing member for DeepGreen, states the project aims to bypass land-based data center constraints by utilizing the inlet's water for power and cooling. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accepted DeepGreen's preliminary permit application on September 1, initiating a two-month public comment period that closes November 2. This permit is a preliminary step, granting DeepGreen priority for a license while studying the site, but does not authorize construction.
Opposition groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity and the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Conservation Alliance, express significant concerns. Cooper Freeman, Alaska director for the Center for Biological Diversity, highlighted potential noise disruption to endangered beluga whales, displacement from crucial habitats, and the release of "forever chemicals" (PFAS), copper, and other pollutants. Russell Clark, president of the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Conservation Alliance, warned of direct threats to commercial fishing gear, vessel navigation, salmon migration corridors, and the marine environment, noting the proposal lacks assessment of impacts on the region's nearly $10 million commercial salmon fishery.
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche also voiced skepticism about the project's viability due to Cook Inlet's harsh environment and strong currents, though the borough demands contact and discussion with DeepGreen. Wolfson stated the company welcomes interventions and that environmental studies are a mandatory part of the process, with public meetings planned once equipment partners and study plans are finalized.