China's First Commercial Underwater AI Data Center Launched
China has made a significant stride in green technology with the deployment of its first commercial underwater AI data center, the 'Shanghai capsule', off the coast of Lingshui, Hainan province in March 2023. The innovative project, aimed at tackling the high power demands and cooling challenges of data centers, is set to revolutionize the industry.
The underwater data center, planned to be sunk in mid-October, faces unique challenges such as keeping the servers dry and protected from corrosion. However, the potential benefits are substantial. These centers can potentially save approximately 90 per cent of energy consumption for cooling compared to traditional land-based centers, a significant step towards sustainability.
This technology is not new, with Microsoft conducting a similar trial off the coast of Scotland in 2018. In China, a company known as Highlander is developing a similar project off the coast of Shanghai. While the exact company responsible for the 'Shanghai capsule' is not explicitly named in search results, the project marks a significant milestone for China in the realm of underwater data centers.
The deployment of the 'Shanghai capsule' signals a promising future for underwater data centers. With its potential for substantial energy savings and innovative cooling methods, this technology could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of data centers. As more companies explore this option, the underwater data center may become a common sight in the not-so-distant future.
