Mon Aug 25 05:46:26 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**IIT Bombay Study: Deep Seawater Cooling Could Revolutionize Data Center Energy Efficiency**

**MUMBAI, August 25, 2025** – A groundbreaking study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay reveals that using cold water from deep ocean layers to cool data centers could slash energy consumption by up to 79%. As the world’s demand for digital services explodes, so does the energy needed to power the massive data centers that support them. This innovative solution, known as Deep Seawater Cooling (DSWC), offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional air-based cooling methods.

The IIT Bombay team, led by Professor Gurubalan Annadurai, Dr. Kashish Kumar, and Moin Ali Syed, developed a framework for assessing the feasibility of DSWC systems. Their research, published today, demonstrates that DSWC can achieve payback in as little as eight months due to the significant reduction in energy costs.

“Our framework enables systematic calculations of resource needs and payback periods, helping businesses evaluate viability before investing,” explains Dr. Kumar, the study’s lead author.

The researchers used the Sister Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a case study, identifying a depth of 2,770 meters where seawater maintains a consistent 18°C temperature year-round. A 2.78 km pipeline would transport this cold water to land, cooling a hypothetical 100 MW data center and drastically reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

While DSWC is most effective in coastal regions with access to deep, cold seawater, the study’s methodology can be applied to other sectors like hospitals, industrial processing units, and desalination plants. Researchers emphasized that international cooperation and policy support are crucial for widespread adoption, particularly in island nations and developing countries. The study highlights the potential for reduced energy dependency and greener infrastructure through the sustainable use of ocean resources.

**About IIT Bombay:**

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay is a premier engineering and technology institute in India, known for its cutting-edge research and innovation.

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