Shanghai, China—In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable technology, Shanghai has unveiled the world’s first commercial underwater data center powered entirely by offshore wind energy. The innovative project aims to set a new standard for green computing infrastructure.
The underwater data center (UDC) is located in the coastal waters near the Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. On Tuesday, a cooperation agreement was signed by the administrative committee of the Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai Lingang Special Area Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Hicloud Technology Co., Ltd., marking the official launch of the project.
“This fusion of cutting-edge computing infrastructure and renewable energy aligns with our goal to strengthen Lin-gang’s position as a global hub for data flows and intelligent connectivity,” said Chen Jinshan, head of the administrative committee. “We aspire to make this project a benchmark for green computing power.”
Shanghai Hicloud Technology Co., Ltd. plans to invest an initial 1.6 billion yuan (approximately $222.7 million) in the two-phase project. The Shanghai Lingang UDC project will establish a 24-megawatt underwater data cluster that integrates renewable energy, advanced cooling systems, and cross-border data capabilities.
Revolutionary Design for Sustainability
The facility will host groups of modular data units cooled by seawater and powered by offshore wind energy. This design achieves sustainable energy use and zero carbon emissions. Su Yang, general manager of Hicloud, highlighted the efficiency of the system, noting that the natural seawater cooling reduces refrigeration energy consumption from 40-50% to under 10%, cutting overall energy use by 30-40% compared to traditional land-based data centers.
Phased Implementation
The first phase includes a 2.3 MW demonstration facility designated by the National Development and Reform Commission as a national model for green, low-carbon innovation. It is expected to be operational in September. The second phase will expand the capacity to 24 MW, aiming for a power usage effectiveness (PUE) below 1.15, a benchmark for energy efficiency. Over 90% of its power will be sourced from offshore wind farms.
Addressing Land Scarcity
By situating the data center underwater, the project also addresses the common issue of land resource scarcity faced by traditional data centers. This innovative approach not only conserves valuable land space but also leverages the natural cooling properties of the ocean environment.
“Our goal is to pioneer new models for sustainable technology,” said Su Yang. “We believe this project will have a significant impact on how data centers are designed and operated globally.”
The launch of this project represents a significant step forward in the integration of renewable energy and advanced technology infrastructure, positioning Shanghai at the forefront of green innovation.
