China has deployed an underwater intelligent computing cluster off the coast of Hainan, with processing power equivalent to 30,000 high-end gaming computers, capable of handling 7,000 AI queries per second, according to reports from China Daily and Yahoo News.
Hainan Underwater Computing Cluster
The Hainan Underwater Data Center (UDC), located off the coast of Lingshui, is the world’s first commercial UDC project and began operations in March 2023. The recently expanded facility now includes a new data module measuring 18 meters in length and 3.6 meters in diameter, capable of accommodating over 400 high-performance servers. This expansion has significantly enhanced the cluster’s capabilities, enabling it to process massive amounts of data for various applications, including:
- Scientific computing and industrial calculations
- Simulation analysis and model building
- Large-scale AI model training and inference
- Game development and marine scientific research
The underwater environment provides unique advantages for data center operations, such as protection from dust, oxygen, and human interference, while also offering a stable setting for electronic devices. This innovative approach to data center design aligns with China’s national strategy to boost AI infrastructure while meeting climate goals.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The newly deployed underwater data module in Hainan’s Lingshui coast boasts impressive technical specifications. Measuring 18 meters in length and 3.6 meters in diameter, this pressure vessel houses over 400 high-performance servers. The expanded cluster now delivers computing power equivalent to 30,000 high-end gaming PCs, capable of processing a year’s worth of calculations for an average computer in just one second.
Key performance highlights include:
- Ability to handle up to 7,000 intelligent conversations per second, including queries and replies
- Supports DeepSeek’s AI assistant, processing 7,000 queries per second
- Primarily equipped with high-performance graphics processing units for advanced computing tasks
- Applications in scientific computing, industrial calculations, simulation analysis, and big data model building
- Achieves 40-60% better energy efficiency compared to land-based data centers
Eco-Friendly Cooling Innovations
The underwater intelligent computing cluster in Hainan leverages seawater as a natural coolant, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional land-based data centers. This innovative cooling method not only improves energy efficiency but also conserves valuable resources:
- Saves substantial amounts of land, freshwater, and electricity
- Achieves 40-60% better energy efficiency than conventional data centers
- Eliminates the need for complex cooling systems and air conditioning units
By submerging servers in the ocean, the facility takes advantage of the consistently cool temperatures at depth, providing a stable and eco-friendly environment for high-performance computing. This approach aligns with China’s efforts to boost AI infrastructure while meeting climate goals, demonstrating a promising direction for sustainable data center development.
Commercial Applications and Partnerships
China’s underwater intelligent computing cluster in Hainan has attracted significant commercial interest, with several companies already leveraging its advanced capabilities. Here’s an overview of the current partnerships and applications:
- Ten companies have signed contracts to utilize the cluster’s computing power
- Applications include:
- AI model training and inference
- Industrial simulation
- Game development
- Marine scientific research
- DeepSeek, an AI company, is using the cluster to power its AI assistant, handling 7,000 queries per second
- The facility’s operator, Highlander (a Chinese maritime and marine technology company), has been expanding the underwater data center’s capabilities
This commercial adoption demonstrates the practical value of underwater data centers for high-performance computing tasks, particularly in AI and data-intensive industries. The cluster’s ability to provide massive computing power while maintaining energy efficiency makes it an attractive option for companies looking to leverage cutting-edge technology in a sustainable manner.
