It's probably better than data centers in orbit.
We’ve already managed to cause ocean temperatures to rise by burning fossil fuels. Now we’ve figured out a more direct way to do it: dipping our heat-generating data centers directly in the water.
China officially turned on the world’s first underwater data center this week. The project is the work of HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction and is located about six miles off the coast of Shanghai’s Lin-gang Special Area, a region that has been designated for high-tech projects and manufacturing. The data center, which cost about $226 million to build, sits about 30 feet below the surface of the ocean.
It’s also really more of a proof-of-concept project than a meaningful addition to the country’s capacity, as its capacity maxes out at 24 megawatts—significantly smaller than the gigawatt facilities that are being built elsewhere to support the growing demands of artificial intelligence. , the data center will reduce power consumption by about one-fifth compared to data centers on land.
That’s because it is pulling most of its power from an offshore wind farm and is using the natural cooling effects of being submerged in the ocean to counteract some of the typical cooling needs that data centers have. report published this week by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health , the water consumption of data centers could reach 9.3 trillion liters by 2030, which is the equivalent to the water needs of all of sub-Saharan Africa. That said, it’s not exactly clear that this experiment will be an improvement over ground-bound data centers. A similar underwater data center project proposed off the coast of California ran into environmental hurdles as scientists warned that the heat generated from such a facility could trigger toxic algae blooms or create conditions that would hurt the local wildlife,of the risk that unpredictable weather events like ocean heatwaves could result in mass deaths of wildlife, potentially suffocating animals in de-oxygenated water.than similarly proposed projects in the United States, so perhaps the impact will be minimized.
But either way, it seems like right now, developers see any open plot—whether it’s on land,A Farmer Donated Land for a Public Park and the City Sold It to a Data Center Developer for $10 Million The City of Taylor, Texas, is facing public outcry after residents found out a data center's being constructed on land donated as a public space. Researchers modeled 1,000 years of earthquake history along Southern California's San Andreas and San Jacinto faults.
What they found was troubling. Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce star in 'The Dog Stars,' out August 28. Researchers Say Smartphones May Have Helped Drive the Global Baby Bust
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shanghai Introduces World's First Wind-Powered Underwater Data CenterThe facility is designed to withstand underwater pressure and maintain a controlled environment. Engineers are confident that this project will solve the key issues of electricity, cooling, and land use in the data center industry. Previous experiments with underwater data centers have shown promising results, including reduced energy consumption and no adverse environmental effects. However, the long-term implications of operating underwater data centers are still unclear. Experts will continue to monitor the new facility for any potential issues with corrosion, durability, and maintenance.
Read more »
'World's first' shapeshifting soft robotic cells can adapt on demandA UK startup has unveiled soft robotic cells that sense, adapt, and reshape in real time, bringing physical AI into everyday products.
Read more »
Houston enters final stretch of World Cup preparations as first match approachesHouston is entering the final phase of FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations. Here's what's happening with transportation, road construction, security measures, Fan Fest and other projects before Houston's first World Cup match on June 14.
Read more »
Sweden holding open practice session in Frisco ahead of first World Cup matchThe Swedish Men’s National Team is holding an open practice session today after arriving over the weekend to train at their base camp in Frisco – Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas. Tickets are required to attend practice. Sweden will play in Group F, opening against Tunisia on June 14 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Read more »