The global data center industry is undergoing one of its fastest periods of expansion.
Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, streaming, enterprise digitalisation, and increasing demand for online services are driving the construction of new data center capacity across major technology markets.
Artificial intelligence is particularly important because AI workloads require high-performance computing infrastructure and can significantly increase power density.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global data center electricity consumption reached approximately 485 TWh in 2025 and is projected to almost double to around 950 TWh by 2030 under its central outlook. Electricity consumption from AI-focused data centers is growing even faster.
This rapid growth is creating demand not only for servers and electrical equipment but also for the infrastructure that keeps data centers operating.
One of the most important areas is cooling.
Behind every reliable cooling system is a network of pumps, heat exchangers, pipes, valves, strainers, and other fluid-control components.
Why Is Data Center Demand Increasing?
Several major factors are contributing to global data center expansion.
Artificial Intelligence
AI training and inference require large amounts of computing power.
Modern AI data centers can contain high-density GPU systems that generate substantial heat because of their high computing and power density.
The result is greater demand for advanced cooling infrastructure.
Cloud Computing
Businesses continue to move applications, storage, and computing workloads to cloud platforms.
This requires hyperscale and colocation operators to expand capacity.
Digital Services
Video streaming, online transactions, enterprise software, gaming, social platforms and digital services continue to generate demand for data processing and storage.
Edge Computing
Some applications require computing resources closer to users and devices.
This is increasing interest in distributed and edge data center infrastructure.
AI Infrastructure Investment
Technology companies are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, creating new data center projects and increasing power and cooling requirements.
Data Center Electricity Demand Is Rising Rapidly
The growth of data centers can be measured through electricity consumption.
The IEA estimates that data centers consumed about 415 TWh of electricity in 2024, equivalent to approximately 1.5% of global electricity consumption. Its updated outlook estimates consumption reached around 485 TWh in 2025 and projects it to reach approximately 950 TWh by 2030, representing around 3% of global electricity demand under the central outlook.
The scale becomes even more significant when individual facilities are considered.
Traditional data centers may consume tens of megawatts, while some large hyperscale and AI-focused facilities can require more than 100 MW. Actual power requirements vary according to facility size, computing density, cooling architecture, and operational requirements.
This increasing power density directly affects cooling requirements.
More computing power means:
More Electricity → More Heat → Greater Cooling Requirement → More Fluid Management Infrastructure
This is one reason why the market for data center cooling components is becoming increasingly important.
AI Is Changing Data Center Cooling Requirements
Traditional data center cooling has relied heavily on air-based cooling.
However, increasing rack power densities are encouraging data center operators to evaluate liquid cooling technologies.
Liquid cooling can transfer heat effectively in high-density computing environments because liquids generally have a much higher volumetric heat capacity than air. Actual system efficiency depends on the coolant, heat exchanger design, operating temperatures, pumping requirements,s and overall cooling architecture.
Depending on the architecture, systems may use:
- Direct-to-chip cooling
- Rear-door heat exchangers
- Coolant distribution units
- Chilled-water systems
- Closed-loop liquid cooling
- Hybrid air and liquid cooling
Each architecture has different component requirements.
However, fluid-control components remain essential wherever water or other liquids circulate through the cooling system.
Why Valves Matter in Data Center Cooling
Cooling systems require controlled movement of water or coolant.
This makes valves essential for:
- Isolation
- Flow control
- Maintenance
- Balancing
- Bypass arrangements
- Equipment protection
- System segmentation
Butterfly valves can be suitable for larger-diameter cooling-water pipelines.
Ball valves can be suitable for smaller lines and equipment connections.
Control valves can regulate flow according to system requirements.
Check valves can help prevent reverse flow.
Together, these components help form the fluid-management network required by modern cooling systems.
Butterfly Valves for Large Cooling Systems
As data centers become larger, cooling infrastructure also becomes more extensive.
Large chilled-water and condenser-water systems can require valves capable of handling significant flow rates.
Butterfly valves can provide a compact solution for pipeline isolation and flow management.
They may be installed around:
- Pumps
- Chillers
- Cooling towers
- Heat exchangers
- Cooling distribution units
- Main chilled-water lines
The valve body must be manufactured according to the required pressure class, dimensions, material, and connection configuration.
For OEMs, this creates demand for reliable butterfly valve castings that can subsequently be machined and assembled according to the approved design.
Ball Valves for Equipment-Level Control
Ball valves can complement larger butterfly valves within data center cooling systems.
They are commonly considered where compact shut-off is required.
Potential locations include:
- Equipment branches
- Instrumentation lines
- Drain lines
- Vent lines
- Smaller cooling circuits
- Maintenance connections
- Auxiliary systems
For manufacturers, ball valve bodies may require a suitable casting process followed by machining of the internal passage and connection surfaces, depending on the valve design and manufacturing specification.
Strainers Are an Important Part of Fluid Protection
Cooling systems contain pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and other sensitive equipment.
Foreign particles or debris in circulating fluid can affect equipment operation.
Strainers can help capture these particles before they reach downstream components.
They may be installed upstream of:
- Pumps
- Heat exchangers
- Control valves
- Cooling equipment
- Other sensitive components
As data center cooling systems become more complex, the role of strainers in maintaining clean fluid circuits becomes increasingly relevant.
This means that data center component requirements extend well beyond valves.
From Valve Casting to Complete Component Manufacturing
The increasing demand for data center infrastructure is also changing what buyers expect from component manufacturers.
Rather than purchasing an unfinished casting, OEMs may require a manufacturer capable of supporting the necessary production stages, including:
Casting → Heat Treatment, Where Required → CNC Machining → Inspection → Finished Component
This can include:
- Butterfly valve castings
- Ball valve castings
- Strainer bodies
- Pump castings
- Flow-control castings
- Heat-exchanger components
- Custom fluid-handling components
For equipment manufacturers, coordinated manufacturing can reduce the complexity of managing multiple production stages.
The final manufacturing scope depends on the component drawing, material specification, machining requirements, and agreed inspection plan.
Why Precision Machining Matters
A casting provides the fundamental shape of a component.
Precision machining establishes the final functional dimensions.
For valve components, machining can be required for:
- Internal bores
- Flanges
- Valve seats
- Threads
- Sealing surfaces
- Mounting features
As data center projects become larger and equipment becomes more sophisticated, dimensional consistency becomes increasingly important.
This is particularly relevant for OEMs requiring large quantities of components across multiple projects.
Data Center Growth Is Also Increasing Water and Cooling Efficiency Concerns
Data centers require significant cooling infrastructure, and water availability is becoming an important consideration in some locations.
Operators are increasingly evaluating cooling architectures that can improve thermal performance while controlling water consumption.
Closed-loop cooling systems, liquid cooling, and other approaches can help reduce or optimise water requirements under suitable operating conditions. However, total water consumption depends on the heat-rejection method, climate, facility design and operational strategy.
This creates another reason why fluid-management components need to be reliable.
A cooling system can only perform as intended when valves, strainers, pumps, heat exchangers, pipes,s and controls operate together effectively.
Data Center Construction Is Becoming More Infrastructure-Intensive
As data centers become larger, their supporting infrastructure is also becoming more complex.
A modern facility can require:
- Electrical distribution
- Backup power
- Transformers
- Generators
- Cooling towers
- Chillers
- Pumps
- Heat exchangers
- Cooling distribution units
- Valves
- Strainers
- Water-treatment systems
- Monitoring and control systems
This creates opportunities across a wide range of industrial component categories.
For casting manufacturers, the opportunity is therefore broader than simply manufacturing a valve body.
What Does Global Data Center Growth Mean for Component Manufacturers?
Growing data center construction can create increasing demand for manufacturers capable of producing repeatable industrial components.
However, buyers need to evaluate manufacturing capabilities against their specific requirements.
Consistent Quality
Components need to meet approved dimensional and material specifications.
Material Capability
Manufacturers must be able to work with the materials required by the application.
Precision Machining
Finished components may require tight dimensional control.
Custom Manufacturing
OEMs often require components based on proprietary drawings.
Repeat Production
Large data center programmes can require recurring component production.
Documentation
Material and inspection documentation can be important for project procurement.
Production and Delivery Reliability
Large infrastructure projects require predictable production planning and delivery schedules.
The Future of Data Center Cooling Components
The data center industry is moving toward higher computing density, greater AI adoption, and more advanced cooling technologies.
The IEA’s latest outlook projects that global data center electricity consumption will nearly double from approximately 485 TWh in 2025 to around 950 TWh by 2030, while electricity consumption from AI-focused data centers is expected to grow significantly faster than overall data center demand.
This means cooling will remain a critical engineering requirement.
As cooling systems evolve, demand can grow for:
- Butterfly valves
- Ball valves
- Control valves
- Check valves
- Strainers
- Pump components
- Heat-exchanger components
- Cooling distribution components
- Precision-machined valve components
- Custom cast fluid-control components
For manufacturers, this represents a potential industrial growth opportunity, although actual demand will depend on project investment, cooling-system design, and component procurement requirements.
Data Center Valve Casting Solutions for a Growing Industry
The future of data center infrastructure will depend not only on computing technology but also on the physical systems that keep that technology operating.
Cooling is one of those essential systems.
From large chilled-water pipelines to smaller equipment connections, butterfly valves, ball valves, strainers, and precision-machined components play important roles in fluid management.
For OEMs, cooling-system manufacturers, EPC contractors,s and data center infrastructure companies, working with a capable casting and machining manufacturer can help coordinate component production around approved drawings and technical requirements.
Invent Cast provides Data Center Valve Casting Solutions, including butterfly valve castings, ball valve castings, strainer components, ts and custom precision-machined valve components, subject to the specified component design and manufacturing requirements.
Companies developing data center cooling equipment can share their drawings, material specifications, quantities, and technical requirements to evaluate the appropriate manufacturing solution.
FAQs
Why is data center demand increasing globally?
Data center demand is increasing because of AI, cloud computing, digital services, high-performance computing, streaming, and enterprise digitalisation. AI is particularly accelerating demand for high-density computing infrastructure.
How does AI affect data center cooling?
AI servers generate substantial heat because of their increased computing and power density. This is increasing interest in advanced cooling technologies, including liquid cooling and high-capacity chilled-water systems.
What valves are used in data centers?
Data center cooling and fluid systems can use butterfly valves, ball valves, control valves, check valves, and isolation valves, depending on the application.
Why are butterfly valves used in data center cooling?
Butterfly valves can provide compact isolation and flow management for larger cooling-water and chilled-water pipelines.
Why are ball valves used in data centers?
Ball valves can provide compact shut-off for smaller cooling lines, equipment connections, instrumentation,n and auxiliary fluid systems.
What is a strainer used for in a data center?
A strainer helps remove unwanted particles from circulating fluid before they reach downstream equipment such as pumps, heat exchangers, rs and valves.
Are liquid cooling systems increasing the need for valves?
Liquid cooling requires controlled circulation of coolant or water, creating requirements for valves, strainers, pumps, heat exchangers,s and other fluid-management components.
What are data center valve castings?
Data center valve castings are cast components manufactured for valves used in cooling, HVAC, and fluid-management systems within data center infrastructure.
Can valve castings be converted into precision-machined components?
Yes. Valve castings can undergo CNC machining to produce the required bores, flange faces, sealing surfaces, threads,s and other critical dimensions, depending on the component design.
How can I source components for data center cooling systems?
Provide the component drawing, material specification, dimensions, quantity, ty and inspection requirements to a casting and machining manufacturer for technical evaluation.
