Inside the Nuclear Bunkers, Mines, and Mountains Being Retrofitted as Data Centers

The article discusses how companies are turning to unconventional locations, such as nuclear bunkers, mines, and mountains, to house their data centers. These underground facilities offer enhanced security and protection against natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and physical attacks. The article highlights several examples, including a former NATO bunker in Sweden, a former limestone mine in Pennsylvania, and a former missile silo in Kansas. These facilities are being retrofitted with the necessary infrastructure to support modern data center operations, including cooling systems, backup power, and high-speed internet connectivity. The move towards these underground data centers is driven by the growing importance of digital services and the need to ensure the continuity of critical infrastructure. By hardening the physical environment, companies aim to safeguard their data and maintain uninterrupted access to online services, even in the face of emergencies or catastrophic events. The article emphasizes the growing trend of companies seeking to fortify their digital assets by leveraging these unconventional, secure locations, as they strive to ensure the resilience and reliability of the world's digital infrastructure.