China Launches World's First Wind-Powered Underwater Data Center
China has officially launched the world’s first underwater data center (UDC) powered by offshore wind energy. Located off the coast of Shanghai in the Lin-gang Special Zone, the facility represents a major shift in how high-performance computing infrastructure can be integrated with sustainable energy sources. By leveraging the natural cooling properties of seawater, the project significantly reduces the energy overhead typically required for climate control in traditional data centers.
The facility, a joint venture between HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction, operates at a depth of 10 meters. This strategic placement allows the center to achieve a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.15, a benchmark of industry-leading efficiency. Because traditional data centers often dedicate nearly half of their electricity consumption to cooling systems, this underwater design offers a transformative solution to the massive energy demands currently driven by the global artificial intelligence boom.
Beyond technical efficiency, the project is a cornerstone of China’s broader energy security strategy. By utilizing over 95 percent green electricity, the facility minimizes the environmental footprint of the nation’s rapidly expanding AI infrastructure. This initiative aligns with China’s recent legislative push to prioritize renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, effectively decoupling the country’s computing growth from traditional, carbon-intensive power grids.
As the United States and China continue to compete for leadership in AI development, the ability to secure reliable, sustainable, and efficient energy has become a critical national priority. This underwater data center serves as a blueprint for future infrastructure, demonstrating that large-scale computing can be scaled sustainably. By combining offshore wind power with innovative thermal management, China is setting a new standard for how nations can balance the intensive power requirements of modern technology with long-term climate and energy independence goals.