Core Insights - The world's first "offshore wind direct connection" underwater data center has recently commenced operations in Shanghai, marking a significant breakthrough in the integration of artificial intelligence infrastructure, marine energy utilization, and marine engineering in China [1][2] Investment and Project Details - The total investment for the underwater data center project is 1.6 billion RMB, with a total construction scale of 24 megawatts planned in two phases. The first phase, which has been launched, has a construction scale of 2.3 megawatts [1] - The main structure of the offshore platform stands 32 meters tall and weighs 1,950 tons. The core data warehouse is located within a cylindrical vertical structure that is directly submerged in the sea [1] Technological Innovations - The project employs a new structural design for the underwater data center, integrating four core components: upper modules, a guide frame, a data chamber, and steel pipe piles, which enhances overall stability against waves [2] - The data chamber features an innovative cylindrical vertical structure that increases usable space internally and reduces wave impact externally, significantly improving structural stability in turbulent conditions [2] Energy Efficiency - The underwater data center operates on principles of offshore wind direct connection and collaborative energy sharing, making it more energy-efficient compared to traditional data centers. It reduces cooling costs from 40% of electricity expenses to below 10% [1] - The data center is directly connected to the Lingang offshore wind farm, utilizing a photonic electric composite cable to minimize transmission losses, achieving a green electricity supply rate exceeding 95% [1]

Core Viewpoint - The world's first underwater data center utilizing "offshore wind direct connection" technology has officially commenced operations in Shanghai Lingang, marking a significant breakthrough in the integration of artificial intelligence infrastructure, marine energy utilization, and marine engineering in China [1][3]. Investment and Project Overview - The total investment for the Shanghai Lingang underwater data center project is 1.6 billion yuan, with a total construction scale of 24 megawatts planned in two phases. The first phase, now operational, has a construction scale of 2.3 megawatts [3]. - The project innovatively combines "offshore wind power direct connection" and "natural seawater cooling" technologies, achieving a PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) of no more than 1.15 and a green electricity supply rate exceeding 95% [3]. Design and Engineering Innovations - This underwater data center is the first of its kind to integrate "offshore wind power direct connection" and "natural seawater cooling" technologies, facing complex marine conditions that traditional designs cannot accommodate [4]. - The design team has created a new structural model for the underwater data center, utilizing a "cylindrical vertical structure" for the data cabin, which enhances internal usable space and reduces wave impact, significantly improving overall stability [6]. Construction and Installation Achievements - The construction team employed innovative welding techniques, achieving a one-time pass rate of 98.6% during the welding of the conduit frame, demonstrating high precision and quality control [8]. - The installation process involved a complex underwater operation, where the data cabin was successfully submerged and precisely aligned with the underwater steel piles, achieving "zero deviation" during the critical installation phase [11].