Core Insights - China has achieved a world-class breakthrough in the integration of marine technology and digital economy with the successful deployment of the world's first commercial underwater data center core equipment in Hainan Ling Shui, marking a significant advancement in digital infrastructure [1] Project Overview - The project was initiated in 2022 and is divided into three phases, with plans to deploy 100 data pods [3] - The first underwater data center is expected to be completed by November 2023, with the Hainan Underwater Intelligent Computing Center cluster set to be operational by February 2024 [3] Technological Advantages - The underwater data center utilizes seawater for natural cooling, achieving low energy consumption (PUE value below 1.1) and high reliability (server failure rate only one-eighth that of land-based data centers) [5] - The modular design allows for rapid deployment within 90 days, enhancing operational efficiency [3][5] Strategic Significance - This breakthrough provides robust green computing support for China's "East Data West Computing" initiative, addressing the urgent demand for efficient, low-carbon digital infrastructure in coastal regions [7] - It exemplifies the deep integration of the "Marine Power" and "Digital China" strategies, showcasing China's global leadership in cross-disciplinary technological innovation [7]

Core Insights - The world's first commercial underwater data center, located 35 meters deep in the sea near Hainan Lingshui, officially began operations in March 2023, with the first phase completed [1][2] - This underwater data center utilizes seawater for cooling, significantly reducing energy consumption and operational costs compared to traditional land-based data centers [2][3] - The data center's design incorporates advanced sealing technology and underwater electromechanical equipment to ensure safety and efficiency, even in extreme weather conditions [3] Industry Developments - The demand for data storage and processing is increasing rapidly due to advancements in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, leading to a greater need for energy-efficient solutions [2] - The Hainan provincial plan aims to establish a comprehensive marine new technology industrial park centered around the underwater data center, with plans to deploy 100 data pods [4] - The underwater data center is seen as a key technology for China to participate in global digital rule-making, with future upgrades planned for locations like Shanghai Lingang [4] Technical Specifications - Each data pod can house 400 to 500 servers and has improved overall energy efficiency by 40% to 60% compared to equivalent land-based data centers [3] - When fully operational, the underwater data center can process 4 million high-definition photos in just 30 seconds, equating to a year's worth of computing for a standard computer in one second [3]

Core Viewpoint - Hainan province is innovating its marine space management by implementing a three-dimensional layered usage rights system, allowing multiple projects to coexist in the same marine area, thus enhancing resource utilization and opening new avenues for marine economic development [3][5][6]. Group 1: Policy Innovation - Hainan has introduced a layered marine usage rights system, dividing marine space into four layers: water surface, water body, seabed, and subsoil, which can be allocated separately [5][6]. - The implementation of this system aims to resolve conflicts over marine space and improve resource utilization efficiency [6][8]. - The new regulations have gained national attention and are being promoted as a model for marine space management [5][6]. Group 2: Project Implementation - The Hainan underwater data center project is the first of its kind to utilize the layered marine usage rights, occupying only 14.46 hectares and demonstrating the potential of multi-layered marine development [4][8]. - Other projects, such as the bridge construction in Sanya and the aquaculture project in Lingshui, have also successfully utilized the layered approach, marking a significant shift in marine space management [8][9]. Group 3: Market Mechanism Enhancement - Hainan has developed a "land supermarket" platform where marine usage rights are made available for enterprises, increasing transparency and convenience in the application process [11][12]. - The "clean sea" allocation model allows for streamlined approval processes for aquaculture projects, significantly reducing the time and effort required for obtaining marine usage rights [11][12]. - As of now, 155 marine plots covering approximately 280,000 acres have been listed on the platform, with 18 plots totaling 38,600 acres already allocated [12].