Russian Official Proposes Underground Data Centers in Disused Coal Mines to Shield Against Drone Strikes

As Ukraine intensifies its campaign of drone attacks against Russian digital infrastructure, a senior regional official has put forward an unconventional proposal to relocate data centers deep underground — specifically, into depleted open-pit coal mines in Siberia's Kemerovo region. The idea underscores growing concerns in Russia about the vulnerability of critical computing facilities to aerial strikes and reflects a broader global search for more resilient data center designs.

Speaking during a session at Russian Energy Week, Kemerovo region governor Ilya Seredyuk proposed constructing data centers inside coal pits reaching depths of up to 300 meters, arguing that such subterranean facilities would be highly resistant to aerial bombardment. He also suggested building public parks and greenery above the data centers to conceal their locations from potential threats. According to Seredyuk, the approach would be cheaper than conventional construction because it eliminates the need to spend funds on surface land reclamation. Moreover, the depth of the pits would allow standing pit water and subterranean aquifers to serve as natural chillers, significantly reducing both capital expenditure and operational costs associated with cooling — a major expense for data center operators.

The proposal comes amid a sharp escalation in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian data center infrastructure. Recent attacks on facilities owned by Yandex have disrupted Russian digital services, and on the same day as Seredyuk's remarks, reports emerged that a drone had struck a data center operated by Russian technology and social media firm VK. In response to these mounting threats, Russian officials have been actively discussing alternative data center locations. Rostelecom's vice president has promoted the concept of a so-called "doomsday" data center designed to withstand extreme scenarios, while other officials have explored deploying facilities in friendly neighboring countries.

The push toward subterranean data centers is not unique to Russia. Amid the demands of high-performance computing and the growing risk of data centers becoming military targets, developers and operators worldwide have been examining underground designs to enhance security, cut cooling and energy costs, and improve sustainability. Several companies in Israel have proposed subterranean data centers, with Oracle stating in 2024 that it would build a facility there nine floors underground. As geopolitical risks intensify and energy costs remain a pressing concern for the industry, the concept of burying data centers beneath the surface — whether in abandoned coal mines or purpose-built underground chambers — is gaining traction as a potential solution that addresses both physical security and operational efficiency.