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Naver Invests in Offshore AI Data Center Developer Pantalasa, Utilizing Wave Power

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Naver has invested in Pantalasa, a US startup developing offshore AI data centers powered by wave energy.
  • Pantalasa's technology aims to create eco-friendly data centers using wave power, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and land costs.
  • The investment aligns with Naver's strategy to expand its AI data center infrastructure and enhance competitiveness through next-generation technologies.

South Korean tech giant Naver has announced an investment in Pantalasa, a U.S. startup focused on developing offshore artificial intelligence data centers (AIDC) that utilize wave energy. This strategic move is part of Naver's broader effort to accelerate the expansion of its AI data center infrastructure and bolster its competitive edge by embracing next-generation, renewable energy-based technologies.

Pantalasa, founded in 2016, is developing a unique model for eco-friendly data centers. Their system harnesses the power of waves to generate electricity continuously, eliminating the need for separate power plants or fuel. The company's innovative approach has garnered significant attention, with a recent $140 million investment round led by Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir, valuing Pantalasa at nearly $1 billion.

The startup's offshore data centers integrate essential functions, including power generation, AI computation, processing, and cooling, onto a single floating platform. This design offers significant cost efficiencies by reducing expenses associated with land acquisition. Naver's investment signifies its commitment to exploring and integrating cutting-edge solutions for its growing AI operations.

Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver, stated, "Naver is expanding its business areas with AI data centers and rapidly securing differentiated data center infrastructure through global partnerships. We will preemptively invest in next-generation technologies like wave-based renewable energy AI data centers to strengthen our competitiveness in the global AI infrastructure market in various ways."

Naver is expanding its business areas with AI data centers and rapidly securing differentiated data center infrastructure through global partnerships. We will preemptively invest in next-generation technologies like wave-based renewable energy AI data centers to strengthen our competitiveness in the global AI infrastructure market in various ways.

— Choi Soo-yeonCEO of Naver, explaining the company's strategy behind the investment in Pantalasa.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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