How are cooling and energy systems transforming data centre performance?

Cooling is a critical determinant of reliability, energy efficiency and scalability of data centres. Traditional air- and water-based cooling systems have served the industry for decades, but with rising rack densities and power-hungry workloads, operators require cooling technologies that can manage higher heat loads and efficiency requirements.

Emerging cooling technologies include both refrigerant-based systems and immersion cooling.

Refrigerant-based systems

Refrigerant-based cooling systems use a specialised, non-conductive fluid to absorb and remove heat generated by servers. In these systems, the fluid circulates within a closed loop, drawing heat away from equipment. As the fluid absorbs heat, it evaporates into a gas, which is then transported to a condenser outside the data centre so it can cool down. When it returns to its liquid state, it goes back through the loop all over again.

Through this closed-loop process, refrigerant-based cooling provides precise temperature control without using large amounts of water. It also offers better thermal efficiency and reliability than traditional water-based cooling, making it suitable for high-density computing.

Immersion cooling

Immersion cooling represents the next frontier in data centre thermal management. Servers are submerged in a non-conductive liquid, which absorbs and removes heat as the hardware operates. The heated fluid is circulated through a heat exchanger, cooled and then recirculated, maintaining optimal temperatures even under extreme workloads.

While still in its early stages for large scale deployment, immersion cooling is expected to become more common within the next few years, particularly in facilities supporting artificial intelligence, machine learning and other high-performance computing applications.

Modular and prefabricated design approaches allow data centre operators to scale capacity incrementally, align investment with demand and adopt new technologies with minimal disruption. Modular data centre designs include prefabricated, standardised units like server halls, power modules and cooling pods that can be easily added, removed or reconfigured.

However, true flexibility goes beyond modularity alone. Designing for upgradeability means:

• Allocating space for future cooling systems
• Providing sufficient power capacity to support heavier loads
• Designing structures that can accommodate change without major rebuilds

Thoughtful planning of floor space and access routes, as well as smart pipework layouts and steel frameworks, can significantly reduce downtime during retrofits and extend the operational life of facilities. As data centres adapt to rising heats loads and emerging technologies, these strategies are increasingly critical.

Even with more efficient cooling, data centres are still massive consumers of energy and in some climates, water as well. Sustainability is an ongoing challenge. Improving their performance requires an integrated approach to energy generation and resilience.

Connecting into renewable energy sources such as solar or wind into facility operations can help lower carbon emissions while microgrids and behind-the-meter power solutions can provide resilience and flexibility. When combined with advanced cooling strategies, these systems can deliver both operational stability and environmental benefits.

Balancing performance with sustainability is an ongoing challenge but a good opportunity to rethink how data centres interact with energy systems, local communities and the surrounding environment.

At GHD, we work with clients to design data centres that perform today while remaining adaptable for the future. Our approach is grounded in technical know-how, practical solutions and a clear understanding of how digital infrastructure must evolve to stay viable.

By integrating advanced cooling technologies, flexible infrastructure and resilient energy strategies that align with sustainability objectives, we help organisations improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and plan for long-term change.

Learn more about future-ready data centres and discover ways to enhance the adaptability and environmental performance of your facilities.