China Launches First Commercial Offshore Wind-Powered Submarine Data Center
In April 2026, China activated its first commercial underwater data center powered 100% by offshore wind energy. This initiative demonstrates a 30% greater energy efficiency compared to industry standards.
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China's first commercial submarine data center, located in Lingang near Shanghai, began operations in April 2026. The facility, managed by Shanghai Hicloud Technology, boasts a capacity of 2.3 megawatts (MW) in its initial phase, with plans to expand to 24 MW through a 1.6 billion yuan investment.
The center operates 35 meters underwater, utilizing natural seawater cooling to reduce energy consumption by 30-40%. Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is below 1.15, significantly lower than typical land-based data centers in China.
The project aims to use 95% renewable energy, primarily from offshore wind turbines. Expansion plans include a potential increase to 500 MW. This model could reshape global digital sovereignty and promote sustainable computing practices in developing countries.
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