November 24th, in a ground-breaking achievement, the core equipment of the world’s first commercial underwater data centre was successfully installed off the coast of Lingshui, Hainan. Weighing an impressive 1300 tons, the “Underwater Data Chamber” reached a depth of 35 meters after nearly three hours of submersion operations.
According to CCTV reports, the underwater data centre, will function not only as a core for internet services, but will also serve as a data storage facility and operate as an underwater “supercomputer.”
Developed with gravity heat pipe technology, it utilizes seawater for natural cooling, improving overall energy efficiency by 40% to 60%.
Designed to be eco-friendly and low carbon, the underwater data centre can integrate with clean energy sources such as offshore wind power, contributing to carbon neutrality.
The strategic placement near coastal cities aims to ensure faster network services for Hainan residents and aligns with the island’s push towards green energy.
Jie Qian, a senior engineer at the Terminus Laboratory of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, said the project had to address challenges like typhoon resistance, waterproof sealing, and protection against seawater corrosion over its projected 25-year design lifespan.
Notably, the underwater data centre’s external safety net includes a digital twin system and onshore radar, monitoring and alarming in the event of any operational vessels approaching the area.
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