With compute‑hungry AI piling pressure on power, cooling and space, data centre operators may need a new blend of intelligent automation and modular design to stay ahead, according to Andrea Menti, Energy Distribution Business Line Leader at ABB’s Smart Buildings Division.
Data centres are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, driven by the growing adoption of AI across industry, business and consumer sectors. As AI becomes embedded in nearly every aspect of life, its heavy reliance on data processing and storage is placing significant pressure on supporting infrastructure.
Hyperscale capacity is projected to triple by 2030, according to Synergy Research Group. To keep pace, the sector must boost operational efficiency, reliability and scalability while cutting emissions – especially as facilities proliferate worldwide.
AI is not only a megatrend reshaping industries; it is also steadily transforming smart building operations. In data centres, AI helps optimise energy use, enhance predictive maintenance and improve the performance of critical systems such as cooling and HVAC technology. Yet it is no one‑size‑fits‑all fix: AI works best when combined with other tools and design choices rather than as a standalone remedy.
AI-driven efficiency and automation
AI is becoming an integral part of data centre operations. AI‑enabled analytics allow operators to manage facilities proactively, mining historical data to anticipate trends, allocate resources more effectively and forecast failures in critical infrastructure. This approach supports power‑usage optimisation, can smooth the integration of renewable energy sources, and allows real‑time adjustments as supply and demand fluctuate.
Predictive maintenance is a prime example. By detecting patterns in equipment behaviour, AI can help managers address developing issues before they lead to costly downtime – preserving uptime and avoiding unnecessary interventions.
Technological solutions for data centre growth
As hyperscale campuses expand, operators must keep systems running continuously, maximise energy efficiency and make ever‑tighter use of space. Many are investing in technologies that bolster performance and sustainability.
This includes technologies such as energy management systems. These can track consumption around the clock, flag anomalies and surface risks to operational continuity before they escalate. Network analysers, meanwhile, provide granular insight into power use, highlighting areas for savings. Modular data centre designs add flexibility, enabling businesses to scale capacity up – or down – without service interruptions.
Power and cooling: meeting the demands of AI
AI workloads demand dense computation, making high‑capacity UPS systems essential for stable, reliable operation. At the same time, rising rack‑level power densities stretch cooling strategies. To cope, many operators are deploying next‑generation UPS architectures alongside immersive or direct‑to‑chip liquid‑cooling solutions that maintain optimal temperatures and improve overall system resilience.
Leveraging such technologies – especially at hyperscale – unlocks economies of scale that can yield both energy savings and cost efficiencies compared with smaller facilities.
Sustainability and regulation
Regulatory pressure and corporate climate commitments are driving the adoption of renewable energy procurement, high‑efficiency power architectures and advanced energy management platforms. Modular, scalable designs help facilities adapt to new regulations and technologies without costly rebuilds, maintaining momentum toward lower carbon operations.
A shift in workforce skills
Smarter infrastructure is also reshaping workforce requirements. As AI accelerates monitoring and routine maintenance, data centre professionals need expertise in managing AI‑driven systems, interpreting machine‑learning insights and ensuring that automation complements human judgment. AI can amplify productivity, but its greatest value emerges when paired with deep operational experience.
Toward a new era of data centres
AI is propelling hyperscale data centres toward smarter, faster and more sustainable operations. By combining AI‑powered insights, robust energy management practices and adaptable infrastructure, the next generation of high‑performance facilities can emerge. The enduring challenge is to balance rapid innovation with long‑term sustainability – delivering capacity for tomorrow’s digital demands without compromising environmental responsibility.
