China has initiated a groundbreaking project by submerging a data center in the ocean, aimed at addressing water conservation issues associated with traditional cooling methods. This innovative facility, located in the Lin-gang Special Area of Shanghai, has an estimated cost of $226 million and is designed to minimize the environmental impact of data processing.
Data centers are notorious for consuming vast amounts of water and energy. They often rely on local water supplies for cooling, which can exacerbate water scarcity in surrounding areas. By relocating these centers underwater, the project aims to eliminate water consumption concerns while harnessing renewable energy sources, specifically offshore wind.
Currently, the data center has a total power capacity of 24 megawatts, comparable to pre-AI facilities. According to a report by McKinsey, future data centers are expected to operate at a gigawatt scale, significantly increasing energy demands. Notably, over 95 percent of the facility’s energy is sourced from offshore wind turbines, although this energy is transmitted from nearby wind farms rather than generated on-site.
Environmental Impact and Regulatory Compliance
While the concept of oceanic data centers appears promising, concerns about environmental consequences persist. A similar project in the United States, proposed by NetworkOcean, faced scrutiny for potentially heating surrounding waters through the heat exchange process of the GPU servers. Reports indicate that even minor temperature increases can trigger harmful algae blooms and disrupt local ecosystems.
In a piece by Wired, scientists emphasized that any increase in water temperature could attract invasive species and harm marine life. The potential risks associated with underwater data centers have sparked regulatory discussions, leading NetworkOcean to explore operations outside the U.S. due to anticipated regulatory pushback.
In contrast, the Chinese project has reportedly complied with local regulations. The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, part of a government ministry, conducted assessments to ensure environmental standards were met. This regulatory framework reflects China’s broader ambitions to reduce energy consumption in data centers.
The global average power usage effectiveness (PUE) for data centers stands at approximately 1.56, with projections indicating China’s goal to lower its average PUE to 1.5 by the end of 2025. This move aligns with China’s commitment to sustainable technology development.
Future Prospects and Considerations
As the demand for data centers continues to rise, innovative solutions like underwater facilities could play a crucial role in balancing technological growth with environmental sustainability. The success of the Lin-gang project may pave the way for similar initiatives worldwide, provided that thorough assessments of ecological impact are conducted.
The ocean represents a vast, interconnected resource that transcends national boundaries. As countries like China and the United States explore disruptive technological solutions, the hope remains that such endeavors will be guided by comprehensive environmental considerations, ensuring that the benefits do not come at the cost of the planet’s health.
