China Launches World’s First Commercial Underwater Data Center Off Hainan Coast, Pioneering Green Tech Innovation

China has successfully launched the world’s first commercial underwater data center off the coast of Hainan, marking a major advancement in sustainable technology and digital infrastructure. This underwater data facility, located near Lingshui County, is designed to support China’s growing digital economy while drastically reducing energy consumption.

Weighing 1,433 tons, the submerged data center sits 35 meters below the ocean surface and uses natural seawater for cooling, which cuts energy usage by up to 90% compared to traditional land-based facilities. The project was developed by Shenzhen HiCloud Data Centre Technology and officially became operational in October 2025 after initial assembly in late 2023.

Each underwater module, or “cabin,” is capable of housing 24 server racks, supporting up to 500 servers. These systems are already being used to power everyday digital services such as restaurant recommendations, travel applications, and other real-time data solutions.

This innovation not only represents a leap forward in energy-efficient computing but also strengthens China’s presence in the emerging "blue economy," which focuses on the sustainable use of ocean resources. The long-term plan includes scaling up the underwater data center network with as many as 100 similar cabins, setting a precedent for future eco-friendly data infrastructure globally.