IIR publishes a new Technical Brief: Cooling technologies for sustainable data centres

Paris, France – January 28, 2025 – The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is proud to announce the release of a new technical note titled “Cooling technologies for sustainable data centres.” Authored by leading IIR experts in energy and power engineering, this publication offers a comprehensive exploration of innovative cooling solutions designed to meet the escalating demands of the digital age. 

 

As data centres become the backbone of the global economy, supporting technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, their energy consumption and carbon footprint have surged. Cooling systems, a critical component of these facilities, account for the majority of auxiliary energy use. This publication introduces cutting-edge advancements aimed at addressing these challenges while driving efficiency and sustainability. 

 

Key Highlights

 

• Innovative cooling architectures: detailed insights into liquid cooling, air cooling, and hybrid systems that maximise energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 
• Energy-saving strategies: exploration of natural cooling technologies, intelligent operation systems powered by AI, and waste heat recovery for sustainable practices. 
• Global perspective: a roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality in data centre operations, emphasising renewable energy integration and comprehensive system optimisation. 
• Future-oriented insights: recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to adopt forward-looking strategies that align with the digital economy’s rapid growth. 

The Brief emphasises that data centre cooling is not merely a technical challenge but a critical opportunity to advance global efforts toward sustainability. With the global market for green data centres projected to grow at an annual rate of nearly 20%, innovations in cooling technologies stand at the forefront of this transformative journey. 

 

About the authors

 

This Technical Brief was prepared by Shuangquan Shao (China), Penglei Zhang (China), Xianting Li (president of Section E “Air conditioning, heat pumps and energy recovery,” China) and reviewed by Yunting Ge (president of Commission E1 “Air conditioning,” UK), Eckhard Groll (president of section B “Thermodynamics, equipment and systems,” USA), Ji Hwan Jeong (president of Commission B2 “Refrigerating equipment,” Republic of Korea) and Andy Pearson (member of Commission E1 “Air conditioning,” UK). 

 

This Technical Brief is freely available for download to IIR members. A Summary for policymakers outlining the main conclusions and recommendations is also available in open access. 

 

Access the Technical Brief    Access the Summary for Policy Makers

 

Contact Information: info@iifiir.org