The short version
- New tunnel-boring technology using extreme heat aims to reduce the cost of undergrounding power and data infrastructure.
- Data centers are moving into natural caverns and deep underground sites to leverage rock for security and cooling efficiency.
- Geopolitical conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, have heightened demand for buried assets among nations bordering Russia.
The vulnerability of above-ground infrastructure has become a pressing concern for engineers and policymakers alike, prompting a significant shift toward burying critical systems. This trend is driven by both technological innovation and geopolitical realities, as nations seek to protect power grids, telecommunications networks, and data storage facilities from physical attacks and environmental hazards. The move underground represents a strategic adaptation to a world where drone strikes and other forms of asymmetric warfare have exposed the fragility of surface-level assets.
In California, EarthGrid has tested a novel tunnel-boring machine that utilizes plasma torches to melt through solid rock. The device generates temperatures reaching 27,000 degrees Celsius, creating a violent vortex that sucks away debris in the form of molten lava. During a trial in January, the cigar-shaped machine successfully penetrated three meters of granite. Troy Helming, the company’s founder, described the process as akin to igniting a rocket, noting the emotional weight of seeing the technology function after a decade of development. The system aims to make undergrounding more feasible for power lines, fiber optics, and pipelines.
Despite the success of the initial test, the machine exhibited minor deviations, over-boring slightly to the top and left of the intended path. Helming’s team plans to adjust the vortex direction every five minutes to correct these alignment issues. If successful, the technology could see commercial deployment as early as next year. Potential applications include creating underground freight distribution systems around airports and warehouses, which would help reduce truck traffic on roads while securing logistics networks from external threats.
The demand for such solutions is rising sharply among engineering firms, largely due to lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. The conflict has highlighted how exposed facilities are susceptible to drone attacks, prompting countries bordering Russia to inquire about undergrounding options. Robbie McGoran of Joseph Gallagher, a civil engineering firm, noted that geopolitical events have definitely impacted demand in certain regions. This shift reflects a broader recognition that physical protection is no longer optional for critical infrastructure in volatile areas.
Beyond tunneling technology, data centers are increasingly relocating to underground sites to enhance security and efficiency. Alexander RE Taylor, a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter, has identified a boom in data bunkers, where facilities are built deep inside caves or excavated caverns. One such project, completed earlier this year in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains, utilizes naturally cool spaces that reduce energy consumption for server cooling. The site sits adjacent to former storage areas for wine and cheese, repurposing existing geological features for modern digital needs.
Dennis Bonn, chief executive of Trentino DataMine, emphasized the protective qualities of the surrounding rock. Ninety million cubic meters of dolomite provide natural defense against physical intrusion, electromagnetic interference, seismic activity, and hydrogeological risks. These levels of protection are difficult to replicate in above-ground structures. The facility leverages what Bonn describes as security designed by nature, offering a robust solution for storing sensitive data in an era of increasing cyber and physical threats.
Subsea internet cables are also being buried deeper to mitigate damage from ship anchors and other maritime hazards. Lane Burdette, a senior analyst at TeleGeography, noted that faults per kilometer have decreased as burying practices become more common. Cables are now often buried up to three meters deep, with some fault-prone areas seeing full-length burial. This trend underscores the importance of material durability in maintaining global connectivity, as operators seek to minimize downtime and repair costs associated with surface-level vulnerabilities.
The broader implication of these developments is a renewed appreciation for the value of physical barriers in a digital age. Taylor pointed out that underground structures have historically posed significant challenges to military forces, citing examples from Afghanistan and Iran’s nuclear facilities. As geopolitical tensions persist, the strategy of going underground offers a tangible way to safeguard essential services. Whether through advanced plasma torches or natural rock formations, the goal remains the same: ensuring continuity and resilience in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Looking ahead, the integration of new boring technologies with established undergrounding practices could transform infrastructure planning. While costs remain high, the potential benefits of enhanced security and reduced environmental impact may justify the investment. As nations continue to assess their vulnerabilities, the trend toward burying critical assets is likely to accelerate. This shift not only protects against immediate threats but also prepares societies for long-term stability in a complex global landscape.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC Technology↗The critical tech staying safe by going underground
