A groundbreaking AI data centre, dubbed “AI Atlantis,” has been revealed off the coast of Hainan Island, China. This underwater data centre is equipped with over 400 powerful servers submerged on the sea floor. Designed to support China’s rapidly growing artificial intelligence infrastructure, it offers an impressive computational capacity comparable to 30,000 high-end gaming PCs, powered by DeepSeek. The use of seawater for cooling provides a significant energy-saving advantage, further enhancing its environmental sustainability.
AI Atlantis: China’s underwater computing marvel
The AI Atlantis data centre is an ambitious project that combines cutting-edge technology with the natural advantages of the ocean. The submerged server structure, measuring 18 by 3.6 meters, is part of a broader initiative to expand the nation’s AI capabilities. By positioning the centre beneath the sea, the project aims to maximize energy efficiency while supporting the growing demand for AI-powered services, including thousands of DeepSeek conversations per second.
The power of underwater data centres and liquid cooling technology
Submerging data centres is not a new idea, with Microsoft testing similar concepts near the Orkney Islands in Scotland. The benefits of underwater centres, such as reduced hardware failure rates and natural cooling provided by seawater, make them an appealing solution for power-hungry data infrastructure. AI Atlantis is just the latest example of how companies are scaling up their use of underwater data centres, which offer both energy efficiency and a secure location far from land-based threats.
The environmental and security advantages of submerged data centres
With the increasing energy demands of modern computing, the cooling systems in data centres have become a critical concern. The reliance on seawater to cool the AI Atlantis data centre in Hainan makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional, land-based centres. The secluded location in the South China Sea is also presented as an added layer of security, though it remains to be seen whether this will provide lasting protection from potential risks.
The future of AI-powered data infrastructure under the sea
The success of Atlantis marks a significant milestone in the evolution of AI infrastructure. While submerged data centres offer clear benefits, they also raise questions about the long-term feasibility and safety of such ventures. As the demand for AI services continues to grow, innovations like these will play an essential role in ensuring sustainable and efficient data management, pushing the boundaries of technology into uncharted waters.
AI Atlantis: A glimpse into the future of AI infrastructure
AI Atlantis is more than just a data centre—it’s a symbol of the future of artificial intelligence infrastructure. By harnessing the power of the ocean, China is setting the stage for a new era of energy-efficient, secure, and scalable computing that could shape the future of AI and beyond.
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