Liquid and hybrid cooling solutions shaping the future of data centres

India’s data centre industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by digital transformation and regulatory support. Rajarshi Datta, Director – Sales, India & South Asia at Johnson Controls, discusses cutting-edge advancements in AI-driven building management, precision cooling of data centres and sustainable HVAC solutions that revolutionise energy efficiency and infrastructure resilience.

What factors are driving the growth of India’s data centre industry?

India’s data centre industry is expanding rapidly. A convergence of digital transformation, regulatory support, and advancements in energy-efficient infrastructure drives it. As the demand for cloud computing, AI, and IoT applications grows, organisations require high-performance, resilient data centre environments that ensure uptime, scalability, and energy efficiency. With over 900 million internet users, India ranks second globally in internet usage, and with data consumption expected to rise further, the need for robust digital infrastructure has never been greater.

At a policy level, the Indian government has actively incentivised data centre expansion through 100% FDI allowances, tax benefits, and state-led initiatives, such as dedicated data centre parks in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Further, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023 has heightened the focus on data sovereignty, encouraging global and domestic players to localise storage infrastructure. However, the challenge lies in balancing this rapid growth with sustainability imperatives, as data centres are among the most energy-intensive facilities.

The next-generation cooling technologies and AI-driven energy management systems are also playing a critical role. With energy costs accounting for nearly 40% of a data centre’s operational expenditure, investments in precision cooling, intelligent building management, and grid-independent energy solutions are becoming essential. The shift towards renewable energy-powered and hybrid cooling systems reflects the industry’s growing commitment to sustainable expansion. As data centres continue to scale, their ability to integrate smart, efficient, and reliable infrastructure will be fundamental to shaping India’s position as a global digital hub.

Johnson Controls was the official Building Technology Partner at Acrex this year. Tell us about integrating AI and IoT into smart building solutions.

As a Building Technology Partner at ACREX 2025, Johnson Controls had the opportunity to showcase how AI and IoT are reshaping the future of smart buildings. In today’s age, buildings must operate seamlessly and anticipate and respond to changing demands in real-time amidst the constantly evolving infrastructure landscape. By leveraging AI-driven analytics and IoT-enabled monitoring, facilities can transition from traditional, reactive operations to self-learning ecosystems that optimise performance, enhance reliability, and reduce energy consumption.

AI and IoT are particularly critical in HVAC and infrastructure management – where precision control, efficiency, and uptime are essential. AI-powered building management platforms process vast datasets to dynamically adjust temperature, airflow, and energy use, ensuring facilities remain resilient while minimising operational costs. This approach is about automation and creating intelligent and interconnected environments that enhance performance and sustainability. As smart buildings continue to evolve, the ability to integrate real-time insights, advanced controls, and AI-driven decision-making will define the next generation of infrastructure, ensuring efficient and also adaptive, responsive, and future-ready buildings.

What latest trends do you envision in precision cooling solutions for data centres?

Data centre energy consumption is expected to double by 2030. The focus is shifting toward smarter, more adaptive cooling technologies that reduce power usage while ensuring uninterrupted operations. One of the biggest trends is AI-driven cooling systems, which analyse real-time data to adjust cooling output dynamically, improving efficiency and lowering energy waste.

Another shift is the move towards liquid and hybrid cooling solutions. These help manage the increasing heat generated by high-density computing. These systems are designed to cool equipment more effectively while reducing reliance on traditional energy-intensive methods. At the same time, modular and scalable cooling architectures are gaining popularity. They allow data centres to adapt more efficiently to fluctuating workloads without unnecessary energy consumption.

Beyond just cooling technology, the industry also focuses on integrated management systems that optimise power use, improve system reliability, and reduce overall costs. As data centres continue to expand, the ability to integrate smarter and more sustainable cooling strategies will be key to ensuring long-term efficiency and resilience in this fast-growing sector.

How do smart building solutions improve sustainability and efficiency in data centres?

Data centres are among the most energy-intensive facilities, that make efficiency and sustainability critical to their long-term viability. At Johnson Controls, our smart building solutions focus on real-time optimisation, intelligent automation, and seamless integration to ensure data centres operate at peak performance while reducing their environmental impact. By leveraging AI-driven monitoring and predictive analytics, our systems continuously adjust cooling, airflow, and power distribution, eliminating inefficiencies and preventing energy waste.

Our advanced chillers and variable-speed systems respond to thermal loads, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability. Integrated building management platforms provide central control over HVAC, power and security, ensuring smooth coordination and improved operational efficiency.

Intelligent automation is essential with rising energy consumption in data centres. Johnson Controls’ solutions help facilities reduce carbon footprints, optimise costs, and meet sustainability targets while maintaining uninterrupted performance in high-demand environments.

What new advancements are introduced to support decarbonisation in HVAC and building management?

Decarbonisation in HVAC and building management is no longer a future goal but a necessity. The industry is moving toward smarter, more efficient systems that reduce energy consumption while maintaining performance. One of the biggest advancements is AI-driven automation, which allows buildings to adjust heating and cooling in real-time, cutting down unnecessary energy use. HVAC systems can operate more efficiently and lower emissions by integrating predictive analytics and automated controls.

Another shift is the adoption of high-efficiency heat pumps and variable-speed cooling systems, which offer significant energy savings over traditional equipment. At the same time, the use of low-impact refrigerants and advanced thermal storage is making cooling more sustainable. But technology alone isn’t enough; smart building management platforms now ensure these systems work together seamlessly, optimising energy use while reducing environmental impact.

Businesses and cities are setting ambitious net-zero targets. Hence, the focus is on practical solutions that deliver efficiency and sustainability. The future of HVAC will be defined by smart, adaptable systems that help buildings lower emissions, reduce costs, and stay ahead of evolving regulations.

What cooling solutions are you exploring for the high energy consumption of data centres?

Addressing the high energy consumption of data centres requires efficient and adaptable solutions to the increasing demands of digital infrastructure. At Johnson Controls, we are exploring next-generation cooling technologies that prioritise energy optimisation, reliability, and sustainability. One key area of focus is advanced air-cooled solutions, such as the YVAA0459XL air-cooled screw chiller, which integrates automatic power-switching systems, energy-efficient fans, and chilled water pumps to enhance performance while reducing energy waste.

Another major development is the YORK YVAM magnetic bearing chiller, designed specifically for data centre applications. This system operates with a 25% lower connected load compared to traditional air-cooled screw chillers, offering significant energy savings while ensuring high reliability and rapid responsiveness to fluctuating cooling demands. Additionally, Variable Water Flow (VWF) systems are being introduced to optimise mid-size air conditioning and heating requirements, allowing data centres to scale efficiently without unnecessary energy consumption.

We also focus on integrated infrastructure management beyond standalone cooling technologies; our Metasys Critical Infrastructure Manager (CIM) provides centralised monitoring and control of HVAC, electrical, and security systems, ensuring real-time efficiency adjustments and seamless operational reliability. As data centres continue to expand, the future of cooling will be defined by intelligent, automated systems that reduce environmental impact while maintaining uncompromised performance.

What solutions do you offer for temperature-controlled environments in cold chain logistics?

In cold chain logistics, maintaining the right temperature is critical to protecting perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products. At Johnson Controls, we focus on reliable, energy-efficient solutions that keep products safe throughout storage and transport. Our systems use real-time monitoring and automated controls to ensure temperature and humidity stay within safe limits, preventing spoilage and reducing waste.

We also integrate smart tracking technology. It allows businesses to monitor conditions remotely and make instant adjustments when needed. This ensures compliance with strict safety and regulatory standards, giving businesses confidence that their products are handled precisely. Energy-efficient refrigeration and climate control systems help companies cut costs while maintaining the highest quality standards.

As demand for more resilient and sustainable cold chain solutions grows, Johnson Controls is committed to providing smart, adaptable technologies that improve efficiency and reliability.