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Created on 08.13
The Cooling Revolution in Data Centers: New Opportunities Driven by AI Computing Power
The global data center cooling market is at a historic inflection point. According to market research, the global cooling tower market for data centers was valued at approximately $3.47 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.90%. By 2026, the Asia-Pacific data center cooling market is expected to grow from $3.56 billion to $4.09 billion. Behind this growth lies one driving force: the explosive expansion of AI computing power.
High-Density Computing Reshapes Cooling Infrastructure
Generative AI clusters are pushing rack densities from traditional 8-12kW toward 40-60kW—a range where air cooling systems lose both cost-effectiveness and thermal headroom. Data center electricity consumption increased by 17% in 2025, with AI-focused facilities expanding even faster. Liquid cooling penetration has surged from 12% in 2023 to 29% in 2026, and is expected to climb further by 2030.
What does this shift mean for the cooling tower industry? The value center of primary-side cooling equipment is moving upward. As liquid cooling technologies become widespread, cooling towers are no longer simple "heat rejection terminals"—they are becoming core components of the entire data center thermal management system.
Closed-Circuit Cooling Towers: The Inevitable Choice for Data Centers
In data center applications, water purity is directly linked to the safe operation of IT equipment. Open cooling towers expose circulating water to air, introducing dust, microorganisms, and other contaminants that threaten precision equipment. Closed-circuit cooling towers use a fully enclosed circulation system—the circulating water flows through sealed coils, completely isolated from outside air, fundamentally eliminating the risk of water contamination.
Moreover, data centers impose unprecedented demands on cooling systems:
· 24/7 uninterrupted operation: Cooling towers must run reliably around the clock
· Precise temperature control: Water temperature fluctuations directly impact PUE and IT equipment lifespan
· Low noise: Data centers are often located in urban or suburban areas
· Compact footprint: Land is scarce in city data center locations
CTI Certification: The "Passport" to the Data Center Market
For years, the data center cooling tower market was dominated by three foreign manufacturers—SPX (Marley), BAC, and EVAPCO—due to certification barriers. CTI (Cooling Technology Institute) certification is one of the core standards data center operators use to evaluate cooling tower suppliers. As of 2026, the CTI Thermal Performance Certification Program covers 305 certified product lines, comprising over 93,000 individual models. In January 2026, CTI also launched a new Sound Certification Program, further raising market entry barriers.
Newly certified domestic manufacturers are now gaining market share through competitive pricing. CTI certification holders are breaking the foreign monopoly.
Arkora's Value
Arkora has held CTI certification since 2014, along with ISO 9001 and EU CE certification. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, over 80 patented technologies, and a complete product line of data center-specific closed-circuit cooling towers (FFB Series combined flow closed towers, FNB Series counter flow closed towers, FHB Series cross flow closed towers), Arkora is a trusted partner in data center cooling.
As AI computing power reshapes global data center infrastructure, choosing the right cooling partner means choosing future competitiveness.
We are committed to excellence in everything we do and look forward to working with you!
We are committed to excellence in everything we do and look forward to working with you!
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