Russia explores 300m-deep coal mines for drone-proof data centers
Kemerovo Governor Ilya Seredyuk proposed repurposing abandoned Russian coal mines for data centers to shield servers from Ukrainian drone strikes. The plan leverages pits up to 300 meters deep for physical protection and accumulated water for cooling. While potentially reducing construction costs, the technical feasibility of this infrastructure shift remains unconfirmed, marking a strategic adaptation to ongoing digital infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Key points
- Ilya Seredyuk, Governor of Russia's Kemerovo region, proposed using exhausted coal mines for data centers, cryptocurrency operations, and other computing infrastructure.
- The proposal aims to protect server infrastructure from Ukrainian drone attacks by utilizing open pits that reach depths of approximately 300 meters.
- Seredyuk argued that accumulated mine water and underground waterways could reduce cooling expenses, while the vertical space avoids the need for large-scale surface construction.
- The initiative was introduced during the Russian Energy Week, suggesting that building in existing mines is more cost-effective than reclaiming the land for other uses.
- Currently, the plan remains a conceptual proposal, with the technical feasibility of deploying large-scale computing facilities in such environments still uncertain.
Russian officials are evaluating the use of abandoned coal mines as locations for new data centers, a strategy designed to enhance the resilience of digital infrastructure against aerial threats. Ilya Seredyuk, the governor of the Kemerovo region, presented the concept during the recent Russian Energy Week, highlighting the potential of exhausted open pits to provide natural shielding for servers and cryptocurrency operations. The proposal suggests that instead of investing in land reclamation, the region could convert these sites into protected computing hubs.
The primary advantage of this approach is the physical protection offered by the mines' depth, with some open pits extending approximately 300 meters below the surface. This vertical space allows for significant infrastructure deployment without the extensive surface footprint required by conventional data centers. Additionally, Seredyuk noted that accumulated mine water and underground waterways could be harnessed for cooling, potentially lowering operational costs. The governor also suggested covering underground installations with rock to further insulate the equipment.
While the plan offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional construction, it remains in the proposal stage. Technical feasibility is not yet confirmed, as adapting mining sites for high-density computing requires addressing challenges related to ventilation, power supply, and structural integrity. If implemented, this shift would represent a significant adaptation of Russia's digital infrastructure strategy in response to ongoing geopolitical pressures.
Sources
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