Russia Proposes Placing Data Centers Underground
Services may become approximately 10% more expensive as a result
According to the concept by the Ministry of Digital Development, data centers are planned to be divided into three categories based on their importance. For strategic facilities, underground structures and bunkers are preferred; for second-tier facilities, above-ground capital buildings are suitable; and corporate data centers can be placed in regular above-ground structures. When selecting a site, it is also recommended to consider the distance to the border, airfields, fuel and energy complex facilities, and major transport hubs.
The recommendations include strengthening buildings, protecting server rooms, cooling systems, and power supply from shock waves and shrapnel. Operators are also advised to use electronic warfare tools, air threat countermeasures, reserve critical services, and cooperate with the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Rosgvardia, and emergency services.
The document was prepared following drone attacks on data centers of Yandex, Sberbank, and VK in various regions of Russia. Market participants attribute the additional costs not only to protective systems but also to rising electricity prices, equipment shortages, and the high key interest rate.
