Highlander's Underwater Data Center Set to Launch in Shanghai
Highlander, a Chinese company, is set to revolutionize data center technology by submerging a pod of servers in the sea off Shanghai. This innovative approach, slated for launch in mid-October 2025, promises significant energy savings and is part of a government initiative to reduce data centers' carbon footprint. The project, led by founder Chen Yifei, has attracted clients such as China Telecom and a state-owned AI computing company.
The underwater data center aims to save approximately 90% of energy consumption for cooling compared to land-based centers. This is achieved by utilizing ocean currents to keep servers cool, unlike traditional data centers that rely on energy-intensive cooling methods. However, the project faces challenges such as complex internet connection layouts and significant construction hurdles. To address corrosion, the steel capsule housing the servers will be coated with a protective layer containing glass flakes.
The Shanghai pod is one of the world's first commercial underwater data center services. It aims to meet the growing demand for data centers driven by the increased use of artificial intelligence. An elevator will connect the main pod structure to a segment that remains above water for maintenance access.
Highlander's underwater data center in Shanghai, set to launch in mid-October 2025, is a pioneering step towards more energy-efficient data storage. Despite challenges, the project offers a promising solution to lower data centers' carbon footprint, with the potential to serve as a model for future underwater data centers worldwide.
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