The Chindata Information Technology Industrial Base in Datong. [Photo/Datong Daily]

Datong is transforming its abundant natural resources into a thriving hub of computational power, propelling its digital economy.

It is also cultivating a comprehensive green computing industrial chain that encompasses upstream server manufacturing and green energy supply, as well as downstream AI applications and data annotation.

The city hosts major data centers, such as the Chindata Information Technology Industrial Base and the ZL Data Center, where renewable energy sources power server clusters.

A representative from Chindata highlighted their innovative cooling systems, which have significantly reduced electricity and water consumption, achieving a remarkably low average annual Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.16.

By the end of 2024, Datong had deployed 680,000 servers, with annual electricity consumption exceeding 4.3 billion kilowatt-hours. The city ranked third in the "China Comprehensive Computing Power Index (2024)" report, establishing itself as a key computational hub.

The city's industrial appeal continues to grow with new data centers established by major companies such as JD Group and Volcengine. It has created over 30,000 jobs with 67 call and annotation companies setting up operations in the city, including industry giants JD and Douyin.

Digital technologies are also being utilized to preserve and restore cultural heritage sites, including the Yungang Grottoes.

These outstanding achievements can be primarily attributed to measures implemented by authorities, including the rollout of a digital economy development plan and a digital government plan, as well as support for technological innovation and talent acquisition.

"This year, authorities introduced an action plan to advance integrated digital development," said a representative from the city's data bureau.

Datong is using its computational centers as a fulcrum to drive industrial growth, transitioning from traditional coal and electricity to computing power and services.