China recently deployed a groundbreaking submarine data center cabin weighing 1,300 tonnes off the coast of Lingshui, Hainan, on November 24.
Once fully operational, this data center is projected to be significantly more power-efficient, boasting a 40 to 60 percent improvement compared to traditional data centers located on land.
Pu Ding, the project’s general manager, highlighted the efficiency gains of this innovative underwater data infrastructure.
The installation process involved submerging the 1,300-tonne storage unit 35 meters underwater, a feat accomplished by engineers in nearly three hours.
The overall project comprises 100 such units, each with performance capabilities equivalent to approximately 60,000 standard computers. The underwater data center, spanning an extensive 68,000 square meters, reflects a significant investment in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.
Beyond its impressive technical specifications, the undersea data center initiative offers several notable advantages. The project is anticipated to save a substantial amount of freshwater, estimated at around 105,000 tons annually. Additionally, it is expected to contribute to energy conservation by saving an estimated 122 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.
One of the key advantages of placing data centers underwater is the utilization of seawater for cooling electronic components. This approach reduces the reliance on traditional air conditioning systems, resulting in significant electricity cost savings.
Moreover, undersea data centers leverage the expansive space available on the seabed, mitigating land costs and potential interference from human activities.
The underwater environment also provides a unique set of conditions. It is free from dust and oxygen, creating an environment where electronic devices are likely to last longer and experience fewer breakdowns. This characteristic could contribute to increased reliability and durability of the data center infrastructure.
In essence, China’s deployment of this underwater data center represents a pioneering approach to enhancing energy efficiency, resource conservation, and the overall resilience of data infrastructure. The project signifies a strategic move towards harnessing the advantages of the marine environment for sustainable and advanced technology solutions.
