Mega artificial intelligence computing center breaks ground

By Yan Wanqin, Yichang International Communication Studio

A new hyperscale artificial intelligence computing center project broke ground in Dianjun District on September 20.

The project, located in the Dianjun Electronic Information Industrial Park, aims to foster computing technology innovation and digital transformation. It is part of Yichang’s strategy to become a key node in the national computing network.

Hangzhou Chengfengerlai Digital Technology Co., Ltd. has invested 9.3 billion yuan (US$1.3 billion) in the initiative. The first phase will span approximately 68 mu (4.5 hectares) and feature a construction area of 52,000 square meters.

With a total computing power of 10,000 Pflops, the project includes an artificial intelligence computing center, a resource management platform, an artificial intelligence ecological innovation center, and a computing power industry base.

The main building's construction is expected to be completed by February 2026, with the first phase anticipated to finish by August 2027. Once operational, it is projected to generate an annual output of 6 billion yuan and yearly tax revenue exceeding 360 million yuan.

Yichang, often referred to as the "hydropower capital of the world" due to the Three Gorges Project and Gezhouba Water Control Project, is expected to reach an annual computing power of 1,000 Pflops by the end of this year.

On the same day, Yichang held a ceremony to launch 207 major projects set to commence in the third quarter of 2024, covering infrastructure, ecological and environmental protection, and social livelihood initiatives.