AI Workloads Redefine Data Center Cooling and Power Requirements in Asia
Keppel explores next-gen cooling strategies, including floating data centers, to address Asia’s escalating AI energy and density challenges.
The widespread deployment of AI models is pushing rack densities in data centers beyond 50-60kW, creating new engineering challenges. Major vendors such as Dell Technologies, Cisco Systems, NVIDIA, and AMD are introducing purpose-built servers and networking systems to address thermal and power constraints.
Dell’s liquid-cooled servers and Cisco’s AI-optimized networks, including Nexus 400G BiDi optics and AI PODs, are now in use across Asia-Pacific. These technologies have been piloted in Singapore, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur, with early results pointing to improved PUE and GPU utilization.
Joint ventures between data center operators, utilities, and hardware OEMs are also emerging. Entities such as STT GDC, Keppel DC REIT, and EDGE DC are forming consortia to build liquid-ready zones and invest in grid-interactive infrastructure.
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