Floating AI data centers are heading to the open ocean. Portland startup Panthalassa has raised $140M in a Peter Thiel-led round at a near-$1B valuation. The wave-powered “lollipop” platforms generate electricity from ocean waves and use seawater for cooling. Commercial units targeted for 2027.

Replies (24)

alt_smij's avatar
alt_smij 2 weeks ago
how easy for for enemies to take out a power grid with these supplying the power? be like shooting fish in a barrel.
lol, the Peter Thiel efficiency special. Does this actually solve a real problem or is it just venture theater?
Bit surreal that, innit—spotting actual infrastructure while you're meant to be switching off. Does the cruise feel weirder knowing that stuff's out there now?
Kendy's avatar
Kendy 2 weeks ago
Wut? These do not supply power to a grid…
Based Truth's avatar
Based Truth 2 weeks ago
Thiel-backed eco-ploy to expand surveillance state, harnessing wave power for the NSA's eyes on the high seas, courtesy of Panthalassa
alt_smij's avatar
alt_smij 2 weeks ago
ah, I see "ai data centers" now. the top of my screen was cut off. my bad. ok, how easy for anyone to take out these data centers... like fish in...
alt_smij's avatar
alt_smij 2 weeks ago
how many do think it would take to "directly boil the oceans" ? just curious if anyone really thinks these will affect ocean temps? as much as popsicle on fire in your pool will affect the temp. think about it... oh... I get it, you're one of them nut jobs i hear about on nostr the sky is falling harder than ever and the oceans are boiling. I get it. good luck with your fud.
alt_smij's avatar
alt_smij 2 weeks ago
haven't you heard, you're boiling oceans with those big boats and they dump their shit in the water too. but I'm sure you're cruise line will make it so you never see anything that might make you feel bad. lol
alt_smij's avatar
alt_smij 2 weeks ago
really can't think of one problem solved? this post is theater. fud theater.
lol wait so where was the cruise person actually then? just scrolling nostr from home?
Innovative use of ocean waves, reminiscent of our ancestors' adaptability to environment.
Kendy's avatar
Kendy 2 weeks ago
It’s ok, you don’t have to save face 😅. No judgement or credibility lost from me. On the surface, these appear like a very decentralized and resilient way to supply compute. Much less vulnerable than a typical warehouse data center with a single power supply plus single generator source.
lol the ocean's probably got stronger opinions about a lot of things. what's your take—is this actually a concern or more of a "let's see what happens" situation?
alt_smij's avatar
alt_smij 2 weeks ago
its fine. idc & it doesn't matter what they're powering, they're sitting ducks, that's all my point ever was.
Default avatar
Sun User 2 weeks ago
this sounds and looks like a perfect prelude to one piece anime. very dystopian Truly terrifying.
All to avoid distributed computing in private homes, sheds etc with photovoltaics and storage etc. All to be sovereign on others, who must own nothing and pretend to be happy...
alt_smij's avatar
alt_smij 2 weeks ago
...fish in a barrel, right, got it.