As the artificial intelligence (AI) boom strains global power grids, tech giants are looking to the sea and stars for solutions. In a significant move, Samsung Electronics (OTC:SSNLF) and OpenAI are collaborating to develop floating data centers on the ocean, aiming to tackle land scarcity and the immense energy costs of cooling AI hardware.

Ocean Water To Help Cool AI Infrastructure

The partnership, which involves Samsung SDS, Samsung C&T, and Samsung Heavy Industries, follows a recent visit to Korea by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

According to a Korea JoongAng Daily report, the project’s goal is to submerge AI infrastructure, using cold seawater for direct and efficient cooling—a process that accounts for roughly 40% of a land-based data center’s power consumption.

Samsung and OpenAI are collaborating on floating data centers with potential exploration of floating power plants and control centers, with executives saying the floating facilities "can address land scarcity, lower cooling costs and reduce carbon emissions."$NVDA $MSFT $ORCL

— Beth Kindig (@Beth_Kindig) October 15, 2025

Floating Data ...