CHINA LAUNCHES WORLD'S FIRST WIND-POWERED UNDERWATER DATACENTRE

The demonstration project, developed by HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction Company, operates off Shanghai's coast. It consumes significantly less power and water than conventional land-based datacentres. Underwater datacentres offer multiple advantages. Seawater provides natural cooling, reducing energy consumption for temperature control. The wind-powered system eliminates reliance on traditional grid electricity. China's AI sector has intensified pressure on national energy resources. Datacentres rank among the largest power consumers globally, with cooling systems accounting for substantial operational costs. The 24-megawatt capacity represents a pilot phase for the technology. Success could prompt broader adoption across China's coastal regions, potentially establishing a new model for sustainable datacentre deployment. The project demonstrates a shift toward integrating renewable energy sources with critical computing infrastructure, addressing both environmental and economic concerns tied to rapid AI development.