SemiAnalysis Report: China AI Data Center Build Costs Under $3 Million per MW, One-Fifth of North American Facilities

Research firm SemiAnalysis published findings indicating that the Galaxy AI data center campus in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, demonstrates notable characteristics in capital expenditure, delivery speed, and power integration. Developed by Envision Group, the planned 800MW IT capacity campus rivals OpenAI's planned Texas site. The initial 120MW phase was delivered in August, with complete delivery scheduled by late 2027. According to the report, capital expenditure per MW of IT capacity stands below $3 million, compared to Cushman & Wakefield's reported average of $17.6 million per MW for advanced facilities across the US and Canada. The project has tested an 800V DC architecture using solid-state transformers across a 5MW room to streamline power conversion and integrated 420MW of wind power paired with 4-hour battery storage targeting over 60% self-generation for the initial phases.

Key takeaways

• SemiAnalysis noted the Galaxy data center plans 800MW IT capacity, with the 120MW phase one delivered in August and full completion targeted by late 2027.
• Capex per MW of IT capacity is under $3 million, roughly one-fifth of the $17.6 million per MW average reported by Cushman & Wakefield for US and Canadian advanced data centers.
• The site pilots an 800V DC architecture with solid-state transformers in a 5MW room and shares water loops between liquid and air cooling.
• Energy integration combines a self-built 420MW wind farm and 4-hour battery storage targeting over 60% of early-phase power, with local electricity around $0.055 per kWh.