China Opens World's First Wind-Powered Underwater Data Center Near Shanghai

China has begun operating the world's first underwater data center powered by offshore wind energy, located in the Lin-gang Special Zone near Shanghai at a depth of 10 meters. The facility, a collaboration between private company HiCloud Technology and state-owned China Communications Construction, cost approximately $236 million and has an initial capacity of 24 megawatts. A key innovation is the use of seawater as a natural cooling system, reducing cooling energy consumption to less than 10 percent of total power—compared to 40-50 percent in conventional data centers. The facility is designed to achieve a power-usage effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.15 or better, considered state-of-the-art in the industry. According to Chinese government statements, the complex uses over 95 percent green electricity and reduces energy consumption by 22.8 percent compared to traditional onshore data centers. The project represents part of China's broader strategy to support AI infrastructure development while meeting climate goals and reducing vulnerability to external energy suppliers.