China officially launched the world's first commercial underwater data processing center this week, off the coast of Hainan Island, the South China Morning Post reported.
This step represents a significant achievement in developing the country's "blue economy" and a prominent model for integrating innovative technology with maritime infrastructure.
Located off the coast of Hainan Island, the center houses a giant underwater cabin weighing approximately 1,433 tons, equivalent to roughly 1,000 passenger cars. The cabin is installed at a depth of 35 meters and accommodates 24 server racks, with a total capacity of up to 500 servers.
The system is designed for long-term underwater operation, with ocean water providing natural cooling for the servers, reducing the energy consumption required for cooling. It is estimated that underwater data centers can reduce cooling electricity consumption by 40% to 90%, contributing to a lower carbon footprint and increased operational efficiency.
It's worth noting that Microsoft had previously launched a similar pilot project, Project Natick, testing 855 servers off the coast of Scotland for two years. Despite the technical success of the experiment, the company later admitted its economic infeasibility and closed the project in 2024.
