China has launched the world's first wind-powered underwater data center, located off the coast of Shanghai. The facility, operated by HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction, is designed to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. The project represents a significant step in the country's efforts to secure energy supplies for artificial intelligence growth and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The data center is submerged at a depth of 10 meters, using seawater as a natural cooling system, which lowers energy use for cooling to less than 10 percent. This approach addresses one of the main energy consumption challenges of conventional data centers, where air conditioning systems typically account for 40 to 50 percent of total electricity use. The facility's power-usage effectiveness, or PUE, is expected to be no more than 1.15 in its first phase, a figure considered state-of-the-art in the industry. The project is part of a broader strategy to expand renewable energy use and support China's leadership in AI development. The data center is also the first to operate using offshore wind power, marking a milestone in the country's energy transition. The facility was completed in mid-October last year and is expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and resource use compared to traditional data centers. The Chinese government stated the project uses more than 95 percent green electricity, reducing energy consumption by 22.8 percent and eliminating water and land use entirely. The opening of the complex is an important step in China's efforts to optimize energy supply through renewable sources and sustain its leadership in computing capacity linked to AI development. The facility is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance national energy security. The project aligns with a new energy law that prioritizes the development of renewable sources and hydrogen to reduce fossil fuel reliance and strengthen energy security. The law also mandates minimum targets for clean energy consumption and reform of the electricity market to boost investment in clean technologies and improve energy system efficiency. These measures, along with financial incentives and the phasing out of legacy subsidies, aim to support China's energy transition. The country's energy transition is driven by both environmental and geopolitical considerations, with the launch of the UDC representing a significant step in strengthening its position in the global race for AI infrastructure. The facility is also part of a broader strategy to enhance technological and industrial autonomy, reducing reliance on external suppliers. This article originally appeared on WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.
Source: wired
