A proposed underwater artificial intelligence data centre in Maine threatens the shared waterways of Passamaquoddy Bay. If you live near the border, you know how connected these waters are. Peskotomuhkati leaders in Canada and the United States strongly oppose the project. As CBC News reports, the facility sits just two kilometres from Deer Island, New Brunswick, and 17 kilometres from Saint Andrews.

What the Project Entails

Deepgreen Western Passage plans to build the facility in the western passage of the bay. The company will install up to 50 tidal turbines to generate 15 megawatts of electricity. This power runs and cools up to 34 underwater AI server pods. The equipment takes up 11 hectares of a 161.8 hectare study area.

Protecting Traditional Waters

Aaron Dana represents the Passamaquoddy Tribe at the Maine Legislature. He states the environmental impacts will cross the international border and damage the ecosystem. “A lot of people rely on these resources,” Dana told CBC News.

Hugh Akagi is the chief of the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick. He spent decades studying regional fisheries with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Akagi notes the health of the St Croix River and Passamaquoddy Bay connects directly to their cultural identity. He points out that fish populations like pollock are already disappearing. “Why would I want you to add another level of impact to what is left?” Akagi said.

Community and Jurisdictional Pushback

The project faces hurdles beyond environmental concerns. Eastport city council voted against the data centre in August. Over 100 residents attended a public hearing to oppose the development. City manager Brian Schuth says the city is still determining its authority over the offshore infrastructure. The project falls under US federal jurisdiction.

The Developer Perspective

Louis Wolfson is the project developer for Deepgreen Western Passage. He states the proposal is currently seeking a preliminary permit for environmental and engineering studies. Wolfson says the company plans to respect tribal boundaries and share environmental data. Dana rejects this approach. He says the Peskotomuhkati do not support the project and view the developer outreach as simply checking a consultation box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the proposed underwater AI data centre located?

The proposed facility is in the western passage of Passamaquoddy Bay in Eastport, Maine. It sits two kilometres from Deer Island, New Brunswick.

How does the underwater data centre get its power?

The facility uses up to 50 tidal turbines to generate 15 megawatts of electricity for the AI computing and cooling equipment.

Why do Peskotomuhkati leaders oppose the project?

Leaders state the underwater infrastructure will harm the local marine ecosystem and further deplete traditional fisheries like pollock.