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China trials 'energy-saving' underwater data centres
The underwater data centre, powered by over 95% renewable energy, aims to reduce cooling energy use by about 90%, addressing computing’s rising carbon footprint.
- A Chinese maritime technology company, Highlander, is preparing to submerge an energy-efficient undersea data centre pod off Shanghai in mid-October 2025.
- The initiative follows earlier technological trials like Microsoft's 2018 Scottish undersea server test and is driven by rising data demand and a government push to reduce data centres’ carbon footprint.
- The pod uses a steel capsule coated with protective glass flakes, will source over 95% of its power from renewables, save about 90% in cooling energy, and faces challenges including corrosion, complex internet links, and ecological concerns.
- Experts note underwater centres help reduce cooling energy and can complement traditional facilities for niche markets, but they require further study on thermal pollution and complex deployment logistics; a 2020 assessment showed local water temperature stayed within safe limits.
- Highlander’s project is among the world’s first planned commercial undersea data centres, indicating potential for new energy-saving tech despite construction and environmental challenges ahead.
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