Technology 9/29: Turning rice fields into $37 billion AI super data centers

China turns rice fields into AI data centers

In an effort to boost its national AI capabilities, China is launching a massive $37 billion project in Wuhu, Anhui Province, where 760 acres of rice paddies along the Yangtze River are being transformed into a “data island” – a cluster of modern data centers serving leading technology corporations such as Huawei, China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom.

Located near major cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing, the project is expected to provide faster and more efficient AI services to densely populated areas.

China is working to create strategic AI infrastructure. (Source: Future)

The Wuhu project is seen as China’s attempt to create a domestic version of the Stargate mega-project developed by OpenAI and Oracle in the US. Although much smaller in scale ($37 billion versus $500 billion), China hopes to centralize its computing power to narrow the gap with the US.

China is deploying Huawei's UB-Mesh technology to connect data centers in remote areas to urban areas, helping to utilize excess capacity and increase reliability. The government is also subsidizing up to 30% of the cost of AI chips, demonstrating its determination to promote the industry.

Restrictions on importing high-end GPUs from Nvidia have forced China to rely on lower-performance domestic chips, leading to hardware smuggling and raising questions about its technological autonomy. The conversion of farmland to data centers has also raised concerns about sustainability and resource allocation.

Supporters say the move is necessary to close the technology gap with the West, while skeptics worry about the opportunity cost of lost farmland and the practical effectiveness of domestic chips in running large-scale AI.

Russia reveals plan to manufacture EUV chip printer: Ambition to surpass ASML?

The Institute of Microstructural Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences has announced plans to develop domestic EUV lithography technology using a wavelength of 11.2 nm. The project will start in 2026 with 40 nm technology and aim for sub-10 nm production by 2037.

Instead of copying ASML’s architecture, Russia chose its own path: using a hybrid solid-state laser, a xenon plasma light source, and ruthenium and beryllium reflectors. Using xenon instead of tin droplets reduces debris that can damage the photomask, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Semiconductor wafer with colorful microcircuits targeted by Russia with localized technology. (Source: Micron)

Russia divides the EUV lithography development roadmap into three stages: From 2026 to 2028, they will deploy 40nm chip printers with 10nm precision and speeds of more than 5 wafers per hour. The next stage (2029–2032) will upgrade to 28nm scanners (possibly reaching 14nm), 5nm precision and speeds exceeding 50 wafers per hour. Finally, from 2033 to 2036, the system will achieve printing capabilities below 10nm, 2nm precision and a throughput of more than 100 wafers per hour.

These systems are designed to be simpler and more cost-effective than ASML's Twinscan NXE/EXE platform. However, the use of the non-industry standard 11.2nm wavelength may present a number of technical challenges that have not yet been addressed.

Instead of targeting mega-factories, Russia is aiming for smaller, low-cost manufacturing facilities. If successful, the technology could serve both domestic and international markets, especially those that don’t have access to ASML’s ecosystem.

Apple prepares to produce MacBook using M5 chip

According to Mark Gurman (Bloomberg), Apple is approaching the mass production stage for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and two new Mac screens using the M5 chip. These products are expected to launch between the end of this year and the first quarter of next year.

A farmer uses a Macbook in the middle of his field. (Source: Apple)

Apple could stick to its traditional schedule of launching the MacBook Pro in the fall, followed by the MacBook Air in the spring. However, Gurman also said Apple is considering pushing the MacBook Pro launch to early next year.

One of the two new screens is said to be an upgraded version of the Studio Display – which was first launched in March 2022. Rumors suggest the new version will use mini-LED technology, improving brightness and color quality.

Minh Hoan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-29-9-bien-ruong-lua-thanh-sieu-trung-tam-du-lieu-ai-tri-gia-37-ty-usd-ar968015.html