Naver has invested in Panthalassa, a US-based startup working on floating AI data centers powered by ocean waves.
The investment comes as demand for computing power continues to rise, pushing technology companies to explore new ways of building and powering data centers. Naver has not disclosed the amount invested in the startup.
Panthalassa, founded in Oregon in 2016, is developing offshore platforms that combine wave-based power generation, computing systems and seawater cooling.
The company wants to build offshore data centers that can operate at sea with less dependence on land-based power and infrastructure. It is also looking at satellite connectivity to link the offshore facilities with networks on land.
Key Highlights Naver invests in Panthalassa to develop wave-powered AI data centers Panthalassa develops floating AI data centers powered by ocean waves Naver explores offshore AI infrastructure as demand for computing growsTurning Ocean Waves Into Computing Power
Panthalassa’s idea is to use the movement of ocean wave energy to generate electricity for computing equipment installed on floating platforms. The company believes the approach could help address two growing concerns in the data center industry — the rising demand for electricity and the large amount of cooling required to keep servers running.
AI systems require powerful processors that consume significant amounts of energy and produce considerable heat. AI computing therefore needs both a steady power supply and efficient cooling systems. Panthalassa plans to use wave energy for electricity and seawater to help manage heat, potentially reducing the need for some conventional infrastructure.
The startup has already tested its floating data center platforms at sea, including its Ocean-1 and Ocean-2 systems. It plans to demonstrate its next-generation Ocean-3 platform and is targeting commercial operations by 2027.
Naver Looks Beyond Traditional Data Centers
The investment is part of Naver’s wider effort to strengthen its AI infrastructure as demand for computing capacity grows. The company has been investing in data centers and working with major global technology and financial companies to expand its AI capabilities.
In July, Naver announced a partnership with Nvidia and Brookfield to expand data center capacity at its GAK Sejong hyperscale data center in South Korea. The facility is expected to reach 200 megawatts by 2028, showing the scale of infrastructure needed to support growing AI workloads.
Panthalassa offers Naver a different approach. Rather than relying entirely on large facilities connected to existing power grids, offshore computing could potentially be deployed in areas where land, electricity or other infrastructure is difficult to secure.
Technology Still Has to Prove Its Potential
The concept is promising, but offshore data center technology is still at an early stage. Running sensitive computing equipment in the ocean brings several practical challenges, including maintenance, equipment protection, connectivity and reliable power generation.
The cost of producing enough electricity from waves is another important question. Wave power technology will need to prove that it can operate reliably over long periods and generate enough power to support demanding AI applications at a commercially viable cost.
If the technology can be scaled successfully, floating data centers could provide another option for meeting the world’s growing need for computing power. Combining renewable energy, seawater cooling and satellite connectivity could also help reduce some of the pressure on traditional data center infrastructure.
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For Naver, the investment gives the company an opportunity to explore an emerging area of sustainable data centers. As AI continues to increase demand for electricity and computing capacity, companies are likely to keep looking for alternatives to conventional data center models.