The world's first underwater data center was completed and launched by China recently. Using wind energy and sea water for its operation, innovation represents an advance in sustainability and energy efficiency, significantly reducing resource consumption. This is one of the main challenges of the technology sector, especially due to the growing demand for AI (Artificial intelligence).
The new Chinese system is expected to reduce 10% cooling costs, em 22,8% energy consumption and in more than 90% the use of fresh water. To function, the technology combines offshore wind energy with the natural cooling provided by the maritime environment. Water and soil from the seabed help to lower the temperature of equipment, reducing energy consumption.
Cooling represents up to 50% of consumption
The maritime environment would be a viable solution because, at the moment, The cooling of data centers is one of the biggest causes of high energy and water consumption, which can generate consumption of up to 19 million liters per day. This number would be equivalent to the supply of a city of 10 a 50 thousand inhabitants, according to data from New Atlas. That's why, it is estimated that the refrigeration process currently represents 40% a 50% of the total energy consumption in these operations.
Location and next phase
At the moment, the new data center is located in Shanghai, in the Lin-gang Special Area, an economic zone focused on innovation and trade. The installation is in the demonstration phase, with capacity to generate 2,3 MW. Nonetheless, The expectation is that the project will advance to a second phase, reaching 24 MW of power.
The structure will not only be used for data storage, but will also provide computing power for diverse applications, how to train language models, artificial intelligence operation, support for 5G networks, Internet of Things and e-commerce platforms.
Although, Chinese engineers recognize that the technology is still in its early stages and will require continued improvements before being commercialized. Until now, There is no official forecast for the start of the second phase of the project.
