China’s latest foray into underwater data centers, with the deployment of 400 high-performance servers off the coast of Hainan, is a bold move that could reshape the global AI landscape. This isn’t just about sticking servers underwater; it’s about harnessing the power of the sea to drive AI advancements. The new module, a whopping 18 meters long and 3.6 meters in diameter, is designed to support AI-driven applications, packing a punch equivalent to 30,000 high-end gaming PCs operating simultaneously. That’s not just impressive; it’s a game-changer.
The real kicker here is the potential for exponential data growth with the advent of 5G and 6G. Xu Tan, vice president of Highlander, a key player in China’s underwater data center expansion, puts it bluntly: “With the advent of the 5G and even 6G era, data will increase exponentially, and the construction of undersea data centers could meet the future demands of this growth.” This isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s about staying ahead of the curve. China’s long-term plan to deploy up to 100 data cabins in multiple phases is a clear indication of their commitment to this technology.
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: energy costs and security. Seawater-cooled AI centers are a win-win, reducing energy costs and enhancing security. This is a significant advantage over traditional data centers, which are often power-hungry and vulnerable to physical attacks. By going underwater, China is not only saving on energy bills but also fortifying its AI infrastructure against potential threats.
The implications for the AI sector are enormous. With almost 10 companies already signed up to use the computing power of underwater data centers for AI model training, industrial simulations, game development, and marine research, it’s clear that this technology has wide-ranging applications. The potential for AI research, data processing, and automation across various industries is immense. IDC projects China’s intelligent computing capacity will grow at an annual rate of 33.9% until 2027, and this underwater data center is poised to play a crucial role in that growth.
However, the project is not without its challenges. Deploying thousands of submerged servers requires careful planning and execution. The specific hardware to be used remains unknown, but it’s likely that high-performance AI accelerators, such as Nvidia’s H100 or Huawei’s Ascend 910, will be considered. China has been pushing for domestic alternatives, so advanced AI chips from companies like Biren Technology or Loongson are also possibilities.
While China is charging ahead with plans to deploy up to 40,000 underwater servers in the coming years, American companies have taken a more cautious approach. Microsoft’s experiment with an underwater data center off the coast of the UK in 2018 ended with the company ditching its National Park underwater data center plans. This raises the question: is the US missing out on a significant opportunity, or is it wisely avoiding potential pitfalls?
The future of AI is being shaped by bold moves like China’s underwater data center. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we process and store data, driving advancements in AI research, data processing, and automation. But it also raises important questions about energy efficiency, security, and the global race for AI supremacy. As China continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the rest of the world will be watching closely, ready to adapt and innovate in response.
