How Maine’s First AI Data Center Will Operate

Maine is preparing to host its first artificial intelligence data center, located in a warehouse at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone. What makes it stand out: the facility will rely on immersion cooling technology—an approach that promises to eliminate water usage while slashing energy costs.

Immersion Cooling: A New Approach

Traditional data centers rely heavily on air cooling or evaporative cooling systems. These methods can consume millions of gallons of water annually—an issue especially thorny in regions where water is already in demand. In contrast, the new Maine facility will submerge server components in a dielectric liquid, which safely conducts heat away without conducting electricity.
This technique not only removes the need for fans and massive air-cooling systems but also reduces energy use by up to 40%, according to the company behind the project.

From Heating Liability to Resource

Beyond cooling, this data center plans to repurpose nearly 90% of its waste heat through a system of hot water recovery. The vision is ambitious: the leftover thermal energy could support agricultural operations—such as dehydrating crops—inside the same building footprint.

Scale and Strategy

The facility will start with between five and six megawatts of computing capacity, with room to scale up to 50 megawatts. At full scale, 20,000 servers could operate under one roof.
Because Maine has already invested in upgraded fiber connectivity via the “Three-Ring Binder” network and benefits from hydropower in nearby New Brunswick, the site offers compelling infrastructure advantages. Some buildings on the former base already suit data operations, minimizing the need for new construction.

Regional Impact and Vision