This reality means new, purpose-built AI data centers are better positioned to adopt liquid cooling more readily. While existing data centers with spare capacity can be partially upgraded, it’s unlikely that an existing facility can be upgraded to 100% AI due to infrastructure constraints.

“Any major change in a live data center environment is a time of high risk and has to be carefully managed,” says Green. “Operators need to take into account how, from a resiliency standpoint, those works may result in service disruptions in other data halls.”

The data center industry generally aims to be leading-edge, not bleeding edge, Green says. “Operators are often slow to adopt change and typically favor proven solutions.”

But advancements in AI and the wider technology industry are forcing data centers to adapt.

“Data center companies are figuring how best to do AI deployment, be it in smaller, older buildings, or in the design of their future facilities,” says Green.