Russian data centers could be moved to coal mines
A new method for housing data centers (DCs) is being discussed in Russia. Experts are proposing to build server stations on the sites of former coal mines. This project aims to optimize electricity and equipment cooling costs, which is a key task for the country's digital infrastructure.
Using quarries has several advantages. First, such sites have access to powerful electricity sources that were previously used for coal mining. Second, the natural conditions of deep quarries allow for the use of low air temperatures to efficiently cool servers, which significantly reduces air conditioning expenses.
Experts note that implementing this idea will help breathe new life into industrial zones that are no longer used for their original purpose. This could be an important step for the development of regions where coal mining was the primary activity but has since been discontinued.
Nevertheless, the project requires careful preparation. It is necessary to ensure reliable protection of equipment from moisture, dust, and temperature fluctuations, as well as to extend high-speed internet lines to remote areas. Investors and government agencies are currently evaluating the economic benefits and technical risks of such a transition.
If the initiative is approved, the first pilot projects could appear in regions with a developed coal industry within the next few years. This solution could serve as an example of how old industrial facilities are adapted to the requirements of the modern digital economy.