Concerns raised as data centres go underwater in China

Near Shanghai, a massive data centre floats above the ocean floor, utilizing cool seawater to power its operations. This offshore facility, connected to five hectares of wind turbines, represents a new approach to data storage, touted as environmentally friendly. However, experts warn that the environmental impact of these underwater data centres is still unclear.

China's AI industry is booming, with the country operating or constructing 250 AI data centres as of 2024, up from 60 in the previous year. Data centres consume vast amounts of energy, with cooling being the largest energy expense. Underwater installations offer a solution, with research suggesting they can reduce energy use by 18% to 28% compared to land-based centres.

The 1.6 billion CNY (USD 240 million) Lingang facility, a joint project between Shanghai HiCloud Technology and state-owned enterprises, uses seawater for cooling, avoiding the need for fresh water – a significant advantage for landlocked areas. The facility is 95% powered by wind energy, making it highly sustainable.

While some see underwater data centres as a green solution, concerns remain about their impact on marine life and ocean temperatures. HiCloud, the company behind the Lingang facility, maintains that the heat exchanger's discharge is minimal, with an increase of less than 1C within a two-meter radius. However, experts caution that even small changes could harm vulnerable organisms, particularly those unable to move away.

Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term environmental implications of these innovative data centres, as their potential benefits in terms of energy efficiency and reduced water usage could outweigh the risks posed to local ecosystems.