Key facts
- China launched the world's first wind-powered underwater data centre off Shanghai.
- The facility is submerged 10 meters below the surface and powered by an offshore wind farm.
- It uses over 95% green electricity, reducing energy consumption by 22.8% and water/land use significantly.
- HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction developed the Shanghai Lingang project.
- Samsung Heavy Industries and Hitachi/Mitsui O.S.K. Lines are also developing floating data centre technologies.
China has launched the world's first wind-powered underwater data centre, the Shanghai Lingang, located over 10 miles off the coast of Shanghai and submerged 10 meters below the surface. Developed by HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction, the facility aims to address the growing demand for computing power for AI and other complex operations while mitigating environmental impact.
The underwater data centre is designed to utilize over 95% green electricity, primarily from an offshore wind farm, leading to a 22.8% reduction in energy consumption compared to land-based equivalents. Its submersion allows for natural cooling, significantly reducing the need for freshwater, a major concern for conventional data centres which can use 25-40% of their electricity for cooling systems. Chinese government data indicates a 100% reduction in water use and over 90% reduction in land use.
This initiative aligns with China's broader strategy to lead in AI and complex computing, while transitioning towards green energy to enhance energy security. HiCloud Technology had previously opened the world's first commercial underwater data centre in Hainan in 2023. The Shanghai Lingang project is notable for being powered by offshore wind, potentially serving as a model for future green data centre development.
Globally, the data centre industry is exploring innovative solutions due to increasing water usage concerns. The UN University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health predicts data centres could use 9.3 trillion liters of water by 2030. In response, other companies are also developing alternative data centre models. Samsung Heavy Industries is working on floating data centres on ships, having developed a 50 MW model approved by classification societies. Hitachi and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines are also developing floating systems by converting existing vessels.
While underwater data centres present potential risks to marine ecosystems, industry experts suggest elevated temperatures are likely to be localized and manageable. The development of these facilities reflects a broader trend of companies seeking greener data centre solutions amid growing environmental scrutiny and consumer demand for sustainability.