News Summary

China has made a groundbreaking move by launching the world’s first underwater data center (UDC) powered by offshore wind energy. Located off the coast of Shanghai, this innovative facility reflects China’s commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing its technological infrastructure. Developed through a collaboration between HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction, the project involved an investment of 1.6 billion yuan (about $236 million) and boasts an initial capacity of 24 megawatts. The UDC is submerged at a depth of 10 meters in the Lin-gang Special Zone, utilizing seawater as a natural cooling system, thereby drastically reducing energy consumption needed for cooling. This approach not only minimizes electricity use but also eliminates the need for freshwater, cutting land use by more than 90% compared to conventional data centers. Designed to achieve a power-usage effectiveness (PUE) of no more than 1.15, the facility is part of China’s broader strategy to optimize energy supply through renewable sources, supporting its leadership in AI development. The launch of this UDC is a significant step in China’s energy transition, underlining its strategic efforts to strengthen technological and industrial autonomy.