China has unveiled a groundbreaking commercial underwater data center project, integrating renewable energy and advanced cooling technologies.
On June 10, officials in Shanghai announced the launch of the world’s first commercial underwater data center (UDC) project powered by renewable energy sourced from an offshore wind farm.
The facility, located in the coastal waters of the Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, aims to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable computing solutions.
The project was formalized via a tripartite cooperation agreement signed by the administrative committee of the Lin-gang area, Shanghai Lingang Special Area Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Hicloud Technology Co., Ltd. This initiative is designed to integrate renewable energy generation with cutting-edge computing infrastructure, and aims to position the Lin-gang area as a global hub for data flow, artificial intelligence (AI) computing, and machine-to-machine connectivity.
Chen Jinshan, the head of the administrative committee for the Lin-gang Special Area, stated that this model of UDCs is intended to set a new benchmark for green computing solutions.
The Shanghai Lingang UDC project involves an initial investment of 1.6 billion yuan (approximately 222.7 million U.S. dollars) and will be developed in two phases.
The project will feature a 24-megawatt underwater data cluster equipped with advanced cooling technology that utilizes seawater for temperature regulation and offshore wind energy for power supply, enabling the facility to achieve zero carbon emissions.
The initial phase of the project is slated to establish a 2.3 MW demonstration facility, which has been recognized by the National Development and Reform Commission as a national model of green, low-carbon innovation.
Expected to be operational by September 2026, this phase is followed by a second phase that will significantly increase the project’s capacity while aiming for a power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating below 1.15, indicating high energy efficiency.
Projections estimate that over 90 percent of the facility’s energy requirements will be met through the adjacent offshore wind farms.
By implementing a natural cooling system that relies on seawater, the facility anticipates reducing its refrigeration energy consumption drastically—down to below 10 percent of total energy use, in contrast to land-based data centers, where it typically accounts for 40-50 percent of energy requirements.
This innovation is expected to lead to an overall energy usage reduction of 30-40 percent compared to conventional, land-based data centers.
The project builds on the experience gained from a prior UDC initiative in Lingshui, Hainan Province.
The Hainan facility, operational since December 2022, boasts a significant computing capacity of over 675 PFlops, showcasing China’s potential to leverage maritime resources for advanced computing applications.
This prior project highlighted the capability of underwater data centers to match the performance of medium-sized terrestrial facilities, completing complex computations at extraordinary speeds.
The Lingang UDC project is positioned to play a crucial role in supporting AI, 5G technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and various cross-border e-commerce initiatives.
It is also anticipated to facilitate international data services across sectors such as e-commerce, high-end shipping, and international trade, underscoring its importance in China’s broader technological ecosystem.
Source: Beijing Daily, October 3, 2026.
https://beijingpost.com/launch-of-the-world-s-first-wind-powered-underwater-data-center-in-shanghai
