China’s Submerged AI Data Centers Could ‘Influence Global Sustainable Computing’

China’s new $223M underwater AI data center uses seawater cooling and offshore wind to cut emissions and power large-scale model training operations.

China has launched a new underwater AI data center off the coast of Shanghai, using ocean water to cool high-performance servers while tapping offshore wind for power.

As reported by Scientific American, the facility represents China’s efforts to align its expanding AI ambitions with climate-conscious infrastructure. Developers say the project “could influence the norms of global sustainable computing” by cutting energy and freshwater demand in data-heavy operations.

The environmental impact of this AI data center

Built by the tech firm Hailanyun as part of a $223 million initiative, the underwater facility stays cool without energy-hungry traditional systems, using seawater circulated through radiator-equipped racks.

The center is powered almost entirely by a nearby offshore wind farm, which supplies 97% of its energy and ...