China Launches The World’s First Underwater Commercial Data Centre
## China Launches Commercial Underwater Data Center
China Launches Commercial Underwater Data Center
China has initiated the operation of the world's first commercial underwater data center, aimed at reducing energy consumption for cooling. Developed by Highlander Digital Technology and Hailanyun (HiCloud), this facility is located off the coast of Hainan, with another one under construction in Shanghai.
The underwater data centers utilize the ocean’s natural cooling properties to maintain optimal temperatures, significantly lowering the energy typically required for cooling processes. This innovation is projected to reduce cooling energy consumption by up to 90% and is predominantly powered by renewable energy sources.
Cooling represents a considerable portion of energy usage in data centers, often accounting for approximately 40% of total energy consumption. By situating these centers underwater, China leverages seawater currents for natural temperature regulation. Highlander indicates that this method could cut cooling-related energy use substantially. The Shanghai site plans to source its energy from a nearby wind farm, enhancing sustainability.
Preliminary trials at the Hainan location have shown promising results, saving around 122 million kWh of electricity and over 100,000 tonnes of water annually.
China has initiated the operation of the world's first commercial underwater data center, aimed at reducing energy consumption for cooling.
Technical Specifications of Submerged Servers
The facility in Lingshui County, Hainan, comprises a 1,300-tonne steel capsule housing numerous servers for diverse services, including AI and travel platforms. The Shanghai installation will feature approximately 198 server racks capable of hosting around 800 AI servers. Hailanyun claims this setup could offer sufficient computing power to train an AI model comparable to GPT-3.5 within a day.
Each capsule is designed with a protective coating to safeguard contents from saltwater, and includes elevators connecting to a maintenance pod above the water.
Environmental Considerations and Challenges
The underwater data center project, while innovative, presents challenges such as thermal pollution affecting marine ecosystems. Research indicates the temperature increase is minimal. Maintenance and accessibility also pose significant challenges, as ensuring constant power access and preventing corrosion are critical concerns.
If successful, these data centers could mark a significant advancement in sustainable AI operations.
China's underwater data centers are in their development phase but promise to advance green computing by utilizing ocean resources for cooling. While still early, the initiative represents progress toward environmentally conscious data management solutions.
Based on reporting by techround.co.uk.