AI Boom Reshapes Data Center Construction with New Power, Cooling and Design Demands

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the data center industry, pushing construction teams to rethink design, power and cooling systems at an unprecedented scale.

As global investment in AI accelerates, so does the need for AI-ready infrastructure—with high-density power (up to 50 kW per rack), three-phase power systems, and cutting-edge cooling technologies like liquid immersion and direct-to-chip cooling.

This shift is prompting construction teams to collaborate closely with AI experts to build modular, scalable, and efficient facilities that can adapt to evolving technology. From integrating vertical power delivery modules to designing optimized layouts, future-proofing has become essential. Sustainability is also in focus, as AI could increase data center energy use by 165% by 2030.

In short, AI is not just transforming data center operations—it’s revolutionizing how they’re built. Construction pros who adapt to these demands will lead the next era of infrastructure innovation.

Reference

Bluhm J. (2025) How AI data center growth is transforming construction demands. Data Center Knowledge. May 21.