China activates world’s first offshore wind-powered underwater data center

undefined 20, 2026

Source: interestingengineering

China has launched the world’s first offshore wind-powered underwater data center near Shanghai, designed for AI and high-performance computing workloads. The $226M facility uses subsea modules cooled by seawater and powered directly by offshore wind, achieving high energy efficiency (PUE ~1.15). Built with partners including China Telecom, the project aims to cut energy use and land demand while supporting AI development, though it still faces challenges like corrosion and maintenance in underwater environments.

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