Global Data Center Cooling Market - Size, Growth, Trends, and Forecast to 2031

The global data center cooling market was valued at around USD 11.6 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 19.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9%.

The global data center cooling market was valued at around USD 11.6 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 19.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9%. The growth can be attributed to the escalating heat generation from advanced workloads such as the deployment of artificial intelligence, which is also accelerating the expansion of the liquid cooling market within the broader data center cooling industry.

However, factors such as resistance to change and high costs of new cooling technology, delays and constraints in power infrastructure, and a shift towards solutions like evaporative cooling or other free cooling methods are acting as major restraints to the global data center cooling market growth.

Market Definition

Data center cooling refers to the collective equipment, tools, systems, techniques, and processes that ensure ideal temperatures and humidity levels within a data center facility. It is a vital task for any data center, encompassing the management of factors such as temperature and humidity to ensure that equipment runs efficiently and safely.

Data centers generate a significant amount of heat due to the power consumed by their equipment. If temperatures and humidity rise to excessive levels, condensation can form, damaging the machines within. 

Excess heat can also cause devices to malfunction or stop working, increasing operational costs as equipment needs more frequent repair or replacement, and raising risks of fire and other safety issues. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of data centers.

Market Drivers

Escalating Heat Generation from Advanced Workloads

The escalating heat generation from advanced workloads is a primary factor driving the demand for data center cooling. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of the increasing processing power of IT equipment, which inherently produces more heat.

The rapid deployment and energy-demanding nature of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) workloads are a significant catalyst for increased heat generation, particularly impacting large data centers and those focused on high-performance computing. 

These workloads require high-compute density, low latency, and specialized hardware like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).

AI applications, particularly those involving large language models (LLMs) and deep learning (DL), require significantly more computational power, leading to the development of high-density rack based cooling environments. 

Rack densities, which were typically 4-5 kW in 2010 and 6 kW by 2020, are now averaging 15-20 kW in new facilities, with peak demands reaching 20+ kW. Within hyperscale data center facilities, almost one in five racks operates above 40 kW.

In addition, AI-focused data centers can consume as much electricity as energy-intensive industrial facilities, with the largest facilities under construction drawing up to 20 times the power of traditional data centers.

This surge in IT load directly translates into significantly higher thermal output per square foot, accelerating the shift toward high-efficiency liquid cooling technologies and redesigning mechanical infrastructure at scale. 

AI-driven hyperscale clusters are now exceeding 80 kW per rack, with next-generation AI training clusters reaching beyond 100 kW. In leading global markets, hyperscale operators report that nearly half of new capacity is being designed for AI-optimized environments requiring liquid cooling readiness. This structural shift is transforming cooling from a support function into a core infrastructure pillar.

The increased heat dissipation demands advanced cooling solutions, leading to a movement away from traditional data center architectures and the adoption of dedicated liquid cooling systems and immersion cooling solutions.  

Colocation providers are increasingly sought for their high-density power and cooling capabilities, including data center liquid cooling, to support these advanced AI workloads.

The high computational intensity and specialized hardware required for advanced AI workloads dramatically increase heat output and power density, making a strong and efficient cooling solution an absolute necessity for modern data centers. 

The rapid growth of cloud computing, AI, and digital services is driving the expansion of major global data center hubs. As IT capacity increases in these markets, the demand for reliable power infrastructure and advanced cooling solutions is also rising to support high-density workloads.

The rapid growth of hyperscale capacity globally further amplifies cooling demand. In India alone, 387 MW of new IT capacity was added in 2025, marking over 100% year-on-year growth. As hyperscale campuses expand, cooling infrastructure scales proportionally, reinforcing thermal management as one of the largest capital expenditure components in new developments.

Restraints

Delays and Constraints in Power Infrastructure

The delays and constraints in power infrastructure significantly impede the growth of the data center cooling industry, primarily due to insufficient electrical connections and prolonged waiting times for power supply, which directly impact the ability to build new data centers and expand the existing ones. 

The rapid acceleration of electricity demand from data centers is occurring alongside broader electrification trends, including electric vehicles and heat pumps. Data center electricity demand is projected to more than double by 2030. In advanced economies, data centers account for more than 20% of electricity demand growth this decade, intensifying grid congestion and extending connection timelines. 

This is partly due to a large "queue" of renewable generation connections, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), that have historically faced low barriers for application, leading to a surge of speculative requests for grid connections. 

New demand or generation applications for electrical connections are typically given 10 to 15-year timescales to connect in countries like the UK. 

Electricity grid bottlenecks are compounded by long lead times for critical infrastructure such as transformers and gas turbines. The wait times for grid components have doubled in recent years, and turbine delivery timelines now extend several years in key markets.  

These delays postpone data center commissioning, thereby deferring associated cooling system deployment.

For instance, a specific area in West London, Slough East GSP, is not expected to be energized until 2037-2038 based on current timescales. Similar issues, with connections extending beyond 2031, are common in data center "hot spots" across Europe, including Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Scandinavia. 

These power availability constraints directly impact future data center development. If data centers cannot be built or expanded due to power limitations, then the demand for new cooling infrastructure, including advanced liquid cooling systems, is directly restrained.

In some mature markets, nearly 20% of planned data center projects risk delays due to grid constraints. Such uncertainties reduce capital deployment confidence and slow investment in high-density cooling techniques, particularly in hyperscale clusters.

Market Segmentation

By Type

The global data center cooling market is segmented based on the type of cooling technique/technologies, such as air cooling, liquid cooling, and hybrid cooling types. 

The different data center types, including enterprise data centers, mid-sized data centers, and edge data centers, often adopt varying cooling strategies based on their size, density, and location.

The air cooling type is currently dominating and widely deployed in the global data center market, owing to its cost efficiency over other cooling technologies. Advanced systems, particularly liquid cooling, are generally more expensive than traditional methods and are challenging to retrofit into existing data centers. This includes the adoption of specialized chilling units or cooling towers that support liquid cooling loops. 

Many data centers already have established air-cooled systems, often utilizing room-based cooling or row-based cooling solutions. Operators can achieve a 10-20% boost in cooling capacity through simple, inexpensive improvements like optimizing fan positioning or sealing unneeded spaces. 

By Region

The North American region remains the world's largest data center region, representing approximately 50% of global capacity. The region is projected to reach a Live IT Capacity of 34,589 MW by 2026.

Furthermore, liquid cooling is quickly becoming the default installation for new construction in the U.S. to manage the substantial heat generated by newer GPU architectures like NVIDIA Blackwell, which can require up to 140 kW per rack.

Market Opportunity

The Asia Pacific (APAC) has a potential growth opportunity, as the region is undergoing a significant cooling infrastructure transformation, with total operational capacity exceeding  17 GW in 2026.  

This expansion is propelled by connectivity drivers like 5G and IoT, which are increasingly powering AI-intensive workloads. These high-compute demands are fundamentally shifting the cooling market; liquid cooling adoption in AI facilities is projected to hit 40% by 2026 to manage escalating rack densities.  

While institutional investment remains firm and lease rates are expected to rise to USD 158/kW/mo in 2026, operators face persistent supply chain constraints, with lead times for chillers and cooling towers averaging over 30 weeks.  

Major hubs like Tokyo and Mumbai are now prioritizing AI-ready, liquid-cooled infrastructure, while emerging markets like Johor and Auckland serve as critical alternatives for high-density deployments.

Recent Trends & Developments

• Rising use of smart cooling technologies (AI/ML-driven analytics): Advancements in AI and machine learning are enabling more efficient monitoring and management of cooling systems. AI-powered systems can predict energy demand, dynamically shift workloads, and optimize power consumption across multiple locations.
  
  Google, for instance, has used its DeepMind AI product to reduce cooling energy use by 40%. This data-driven approach helps operators identify weaknesses, maximize energy efficiency, and make real-time adjustments to maintain optimal temperatures and humidity.

• Creative Heat Reuse Strategies: To enhance sustainability and reduce energy waste, data center operators are increasingly repurposing the excess heat generated by cooling systems. This "waste heat" can be reused for various purposes, such as heating homes in local communities, swimming pools, or even growing plants.
  

• Exploration of Higher Operating Temperatures: Some data center operators are experimenting with higher target temperatures in server rooms, specifically in the higher 70s Fahrenheit, to reduce the load on cooling systems without compromising IT equipment. This can lessen the burden on cooling infrastructure, including chilling units and a cooling tower.
  

• In March 2026, a consortium led by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and EQT AB agreed to acquire global power utility AES Corp., for USD 15 per share in cash, totaling an enterprise value of approximately USD 33.4 billion.
  

• Vertiv completed its acquisition of Houston-based Purge Rite in December 2025 for approximately USD 1 billion in cash, plus an earn-out of up to USD 250 million based on 2026 performance. The deal strengthens Vertiv’s position in liquid cooling and data center thermal management services, specifically for AI and high-density computing.
  

• In November 2025, Eaton Corp. agreed to buy liquid cooling specialist Boyd Thermal for USD 9.5 billion to capitalize on heavy demand related to artificial intelligence data centers.
  

• LG Electronics, in April 2025, made its entry into the data center cooling industry by unveiling a comprehensive lineup of cooling solutions for data centers.

The new report from Blackridge Research on the Global Data Center Cooling Market comprehensively analyses the Global Data Center Cooling Market and provides deep insight into the current and future state of the industry.

The study examines the market dynamics and regional trends influencing Global Data Center Cooling Market demand and growth.

The market research report coverage also addresses present and future market opportunities, market trends & developments, important commercial developments, trends, regions, and segments poised for the fastest growth, and the competitive landscape.

Furthermore, the report will present the market size, demand trends, and projected market growth rates of the Global Data Center Cooling Market through the global forecast period ending in 2031.

The findings are based on a robust research methodology that includes both primary and secondary research, ensuring accuracy and reliability of the insights. This methodology enables a comprehensive evaluation of the market by incorporating expert interviews, data triangulation, and in-depth analysis of relevant industry sources.

What Do We Cover in the Report?

Global Data Center Cooling Market Drivers & Restraints

The study covers all the major underlying forces that help the market develop and grow, and the factors that constrain growth. 

The report includes a meticulous analysis of each factor, explaining the relevant qualitative information with supporting data. 

Each factor's respective impact in the near, medium, and long term will be covered using the Harvey balls for visual communication of qualitative information and functions as a guide for you to analyze the degree of impact.

Global Data Center Cooling Market Analysis

This report discusses market overview, the latest updates, important commercial developments, structural trends, and government policies and regulations.

Global Data Center Cooling Market Size and Demand Forecast

The report provides the Global Data Center Cooling Market size and demand forecast until 2031, including year-on-year (YoY) growth rates and CAGR.

Global Data Center Cooling Market Industry Analysis

The report examines the critical elements of the Data Center Cooling industry supply chain, its structure, and its participants. 

Using Porter's five forces framework, the report covers the assessment of the Global Data Center Cooling Industry's state of competition and profitability.

Global Data Center Cooling Market Segmentation & Forecast

The report dissects the Global Data Center Cooling Market into various segments. 

A detailed summary of the current scenario, recent developments, and market outlook will be provided for each segment. 

Further, market size and demand forecasts will be presented, along with various drivers and barriers for individual market segments. 

Effective market segmentation enables you to identify emerging trends and opportunities for long-term growth. Contact us for "bespoke" market segmentation to better align the research report with your requirements.

Regional Market Analysis

The report covers detailed profiles of major countries across the world. Each country's analysis covers the current market scenario, market drivers, government policies and regulations, and market outlook. 

In addition, market size, demand forecasts, and growth rates will be provided for all regions.

The following are the regions covered: 

North America - United States, Canada, Mexico, and the rest of North America

Europe - Russia, Norway, the United Kingdom (UK), and the rest of Europe

Asia Pacific - China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Rest of APAC

Rest of the world - Nigeria, South Africa, the Middle East, and other countries 

Key Company Profiles

This report presents detailed profiles of Key companies in the Global Data Center Cooling Industry, such as Excool Ltd., AIRSYS Cooling Technologies Inc., Vertiv Group Corp., Schneider Electric SE, Eaton, Huawei, STULZ GMBH, Riello S.p.A., Johnson Controls International PLC, etc. In general, each company profile includes: company overview, relevant products and services, financial performance, and recent developments.

Competitive Landscape

The report provides a comprehensive list of notable companies in the market, including mergers and acquisitions (M&As), joint ventures (JVs), partnerships, collaborations, and other business agreements. 

The study also discusses the strategies adopted by leading players in the industry.

Executive Summary

The executive summary will be jam-packed with charts, infographics, and forecasts. This chapter summarizes the findings of the report crisply and clearly. 

The report begins with an Executive Summary chapter and ends with Conclusions and Recommendations.