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The construction of the leading commercial underwater data center off the coast of Shanghai marks a significant advance in the field of sustainable IT. This ambitious China project, by exploiting the natural resources of the ocean, aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional data centers. While the energy consumption and the freshwater needs of these infrastructures worry, this innovation could transform the way in which we are considering the future of computers on a global scale. Using seawater for cooling and wind energy for food, China shows the way for more environmentally friendly computerization.
When computer graduates the planet
The rise of artificial intelligence and cloud computing has caused a considerable increase in energy demand. The data centers, in particular, have become real energy caves, requiring huge amounts of electricity to operate. About 40 % of this energy is used exclusively for the cooling of machines. Freshwater needs to lower the temperature of the servers are also worrying. Hundreds of thousands of liters of water are consumed every day to maintain these installations at an operating temperature. This incessant water need creates direct competition with the resources necessary for the human population.
Paradoxically, many of these centers are located in arid regions. Arizona, certain parts of Spain and the Middle East, where water availability is already limited, are privileged destinations. This situation increases the pressure on already limited resources. The localization choices aim to avoid humidity problems, but aggravate tensions on water supply. This situation highlights an urgent need for more sustainable infrastructure solutions that respect natural resources.
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The ocean as an innovative solution
Faced with these challenges, China has opted for a resolutely innovative approach by immersing its data centers in the ocean. The Shanghai pioneering project, led by the Halaalyun company, uses seawater as a natural cooling means. The servers are thus preserved from overheating without consuming fresh water. This solution allows substantial energy saving. Indeed, the underwater cooling reduces electricity consumption by 30 % compared to land data centers. In addition, this project is 97 % powered by renewable energy, thanks to an offshore wind farm.
The first phase of the project will include 198 servers racks, demonstrating the commercial feasibility of the concept. Although modest compared to traditional centers, this initiative is a major advance. This project could inspire other countries to explore similar solutions. China could thus become a leader in the development of sustainable IT infrastructure.
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Microsoft had paved the way
The technology of underwater data centers is not completely new. Microsoft had already tested a similar concept with his Natick project. In 2018, the company had immersed a capsule containing 800 servers off Scotland. After two years of experimentation, the results were promising with a significant reduction in breakdowns. The sealed environment filled with nitrogen played a crucial role, being less corrosive than oxygen. However, Microsoft did not continue this project beyond the experimental phase.
China, on the other hand, has taken this stage with determination. In less than thirty months, Halalyyun managed to transform a prototype into an operational commercial installation. This speed of execution highlights the capacity of China to materialize in large -scale innovative technological projects. This contrasts with the more cautious approach to American companies in this area.
Environmental challenges to monitor
Despite its advantages, this underwater innovation arouses legitimate environmental concerns. Microsoft’s experiences have revealed a localized warming of sea water. Although this warming is limited to a few thousandths of degrees, long -term implications remain uncertain. Some scientists highlight the risks associated with marine heat waves. The water rejected, warmer and less oxygenated, could represent a threat to marine biodiversity.
The safety of these installations is also a point of attention. A recent study highlighted the risks posed by potential sound attacks, using underwater speakers to damage these infrastructure. Halalyyun, however, minimizes these concerns, saying that the environmental impact is negligible. According to the company, the temperature increase noted in the surrounding water is lower than a degree, which would be without major consequences.
While China continues its efforts to develop submerged data centers, the world is carefully observing the results of this experiment. Other countries, such as South Korea, Japan and Singapore, are already planning to follow this example by exploring similar solutions. This technological race could redefine the standards of sustainable IT on a global scale. However, the question remains: can these underwater innovations really reconcile the growing computer power needs with the preservation of our environment?
This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.
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