Shanghai is making waves in the tech world by debuting the world’s first wind-powered underwater data center—a bold move in green computing! Located near the Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, this project blends renewable energy with advanced digital infrastructure to meet the surging demand for low-carbon solutions.
This innovative facility is powered entirely by an offshore wind farm and cooled using natural seawater, slashing energy use and reducing carbon emissions to zero. The initial phase features a 2.3 MW demonstration unit, which has been recognized as a national model for green, low-carbon innovation and is set to operate from September.
Backing the project is an impressive investment of 1.6 billion yuan (about $222.7 million) by Hicloud, with plans to scale up to a 24 MW underwater data cluster. With a targeted power usage effectiveness (PUE) below 1.15 and over 90% of its energy derived from offshore wind, this cutting-edge design dramatically cuts refrigeration energy from 40-50% to under 10% of total consumption.
Beyond its energy efficiency, the project also addresses land resource challenges by reducing the need for extensive land use—a common issue for traditional data centers. This fusion of renewable energy, AI-ready computing, and sustainable design is a promising glimpse into the future of digital innovation and environmental responsibility.
Get ready for an exciting new era where smart tech meets eco-friendly solutions! ⚡️🌊🤖
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Shanghai debuts world's first wind-powered underwater data center
cgtn.com
