Project Natick
A research project to determine the feasibility of subsea datacenters powered by offshore renewable energy.
Project Natick began in 2013 when Microsoft employee Sean James, who served on a U.S. Navy submarine, submitted a ThinkWeek paper. Microsoft began the project in 2014, deployed the Leona Philpot system off the coast of California in 2015, and later brought it back to Redmond for analysis and refitting.
Phase 1 timeline
February 2013
Initial white paper
A Microsoft white paper came to the attention of senior leaders. It described an underwater datacenter powered by renewable ocean energy.
August 2014
Project Natick begins
Project Natick began with a kickoff meeting in Redmond.
August 2015
Project Natick operational
The Leona Philpot was christened and deployed off the coast of California.
Testing
The Leona Philpot system was thoroughly tested and monitored.
December 2015
Project Natick returns to Redmond
After a successful series of tests, the Leona Philpot was lifted out of the water and brought back to Redmond for analysis and refitting.