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Why is China building underwater data centres?
China is developing underwater data centres, including a new facility in Hainan, as part of its broader push to enhance digital infrastructure. These submerged centres aim to improve data processing efficiency, reduce energy costs, and support economic growth. China's strategic focus on underwater data centres also aligns with its goal to lead in global digital innovation and attract foreign tech investments.
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How do US and UAE data centre expansions compare?
The US and UAE are both rapidly expanding their data centre capacities through government investments and strategic partnerships, especially with tech giants like Nvidia. While the US leads in AI collaborations and technological innovation, the UAE is focusing on building a resilient digital infrastructure to support its economic diversification. Both countries see data centres as vital to their future growth, but their approaches and scale differ.
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What are the environmental concerns with underwater data infrastructure?
Underwater data centres raise environmental concerns such as water pollution from chemicals like PFAS and high water usage. There are also worries about the impact on marine ecosystems and the potential for pollution during construction or operation. Environmental groups are calling for stricter regulations to ensure these facilities do not harm ocean health while supporting technological progress.
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Who is leading in AI and digital infrastructure today?
The United States currently leads in AI development and digital infrastructure, thanks to strong government partnerships and major tech companies like Nvidia. China is also making significant strides, aiming to catch up and surpass US capabilities. The global race for AI dominance involves strategic investments in data centres, cloud computing, and innovative technologies like underwater data storage.
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What are the technological benefits of underwater data centres?
Underwater data centres offer advantages such as natural cooling, which reduces energy consumption and costs. They can also be deployed closer to coastal populations, improving data processing speeds. Additionally, underwater facilities can be more resilient to natural disasters and provide a scalable solution for the growing demand for cloud services and AI infrastructure.