The Download: record-breaking subsea tunnels and flexible data centers

2026-06-22 · Source: MIT Technology Review · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

Norway's Rogfast tunnel, set to become the world's longest and deepest subsea road tunnel, represents an exceptional engineering feat, extending 16.6 miles and reaching 1,280 feet below the North Sea. This project highlights the continued possibility of ambitious infrastructure development. Concurrently, the AI boom is straining electric grids, prompting a shift towards flexible data centers that can limit power draw during high-demand periods. New software solutions are emerging to make this process faster and more precise, potentially reducing the need for extensive new power plant construction. The global AI boom is also significantly impacting the memory chip market, with SK Hynix now the world's most valuable memory chipmaker, and rising demand expected to skyrocket device prices.

Key takeaway

For technology leaders and infrastructure developers facing rapid AI expansion, prioritize adaptive grid solutions for data centers to manage power demands efficiently. Implementing software-driven flexibility can circumvent lengthy infrastructure upgrades and ensure operational resilience. Simultaneously, recognize the ongoing potential for large-scale engineering, exemplified by projects like Norway's Rogfast tunnel, as a testament to human ingenuity and a reminder that complex challenges can be overcome.

Key insights

Modern infrastructure challenges require both monumental engineering feats and adaptive, software-driven solutions.

Principles

• Large-scale engineering remains achievable.
• Grid stability requires demand-side flexibility.

Method

Data centers can utilize new software to precisely limit power consumption during peak demand, reducing reliance on new power plant construction and avoiding infrastructure upgrade delays.

In practice

• Explore flexible power solutions for AI data centers.
• Support ambitious infrastructure projects.

Topics

• Subsea Engineering
• Data Center Power
• Grid Management
• AI Hardware
• Infrastructure Development
• Memory Market

Best for: Investor, CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, General Interest, Tech Journalist, Entrepreneur

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by MIT Technology Review.