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At the Data Center Nation Zurich event, Daikin is taking part in one of the key discussions shaping the sector’s path forward — “Next-gen efficiency in data centres: Balancing new projects with upgrading the existing estate”. The panel brought together design, construction, and technology leaders to address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: how to expand capacity while improving the efficiency and resilience of Europe’s existing data-centre infrastructure. For Daikin, the conversation reflects a broader mission — to support operators, designers, and contractors with HVAC technology and lifecycle services that deliver performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability. Whether for new high-density builds or retrofit projects, the company’s role is clear: to be a trusted data center solutions provider in every stage of the data-centre journey.
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Growth and challenges for the European data center industry
The European data-centre market continues to grow rapidly, driven by digitalisation, AI workloads, and cloud expansion. According to Bitkom’s 2025 report, demand for processing power is increasing by more than 10% per year, while energy and land availability are becoming major limiting factors. Governments are responding with stricter efficiency targets and heat-reuse requirements, making HVAC performance a decisive element in both compliance and competitiveness.
From July 2026, Germany’s Energieeffizienzgesetz (EnEfG) will make heat recovery mandatory for new data centres — starting with 10% of waste heat reused in 2026, rising to 15% in 2027 and 20% in 2028 — and set a PUE threshold of 1.2 from 2027. These targets highlight the central role of cooling and heating technologies in meeting Europe’s energy-efficiency goals.
At the same time, the sector faces practical challenges: power-grid limitations, permitting complexity, and a shortage of specialised technical skills. As highlighted during DCN Zurich, addressing these issues requires both innovation in system design and closer collaboration across the value chain — from equipment manufacturers to operators.
Technology built for performance and reliability
Over the past decade, Daikin Applied Europe has invested over €30 million to expand its R&D and manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing its role as a strategic HVAC partner for the data-centre industry. This includes a new R&D centre in Italy in expanding its R&D and manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing its role as a strategic HVAC partner for the data centre dedicated to product development, specialised production for water-cooled units, and an expanded testing facility capable of handling large-capacity chillers under real operating conditions.
In Germany, the establishment of Daikin Applied Germany (DAPG) and the acquisition of Uniklima have strengthened Daikin’s local engineering and service network, enabling faster support for complex, high-density projects. Together, these investments reflect Daikin’s philosophy of “local production for local consumption” — developing, manufacturing, and servicing systems within Europe to meet European market needs.
Daikin’s technology portfolio spans the full HVAC ecosystem — from chillers to air handling units, crah, intelligent controls — with innovation focused on efficiency, redundancy, and real-world reliability.
Key technologies include:
- Air-to-water free cooling chillers: Daikin free cooling chillers utilise low ambient air temperatures to reduce the need for mechanical cooling, thereby cutting energy consumption and extending equipment life. The series includes glycol-free options, which offer a range of 183 to 2154 kW and are available under two compressor technologies: VFD screw (developed by Daikin) for optimal part-load enhancement of 183 to 2154 kW and is available under two compressor technologies: VFD screw (developed by Daikin) for optimal part-load enhanced and improved efficiency. The series covers from 183 to 2154 kW and is available under two compressor technologies: VFD screw (Daikin-developed) for optimal part load efficiency and scroll. Also, Daikin-owned VFD is cooled down by refrigerant, ensuring proper operation in all working conditions.
- Intelligent Data Centre Manager (iDCM) control system: it ensures optimal performance over time by leveraging AI-supported plant management. The iDCM system monitors and adjusts the operation of multiple chiller units, to maintain peak efficiency and reliability.
- Pro-W Fan Array units: designed for flexibility and scalability. These units are available in 4 sizes, covering from 175 to 500 kW. Thereby, Pro-W units can be employed to meet the cooling needs of Data Centers of all sizes, providing efficient and reliable cooling solutions.
- Pro-C CRAH units: the ideal solution for thermal management, featuring optimized design and advanced control strategies. Available in two configurations, covering from 30 kW to 210 kW, it meets the demands of any Data Center configuration, ensuring precise temperature control, flexibility, redundancy, and low operating costs.
- After-sales services: Daikin can provide preventive and corrective maintenance services to ensure the efficiency and reliability of Data Center cooling systems. Additionally, Daikin offers real-time remote monitoring services to identify and resolve issues before they affect system performance.
- Rental cooling equipment: Daikin can provide rental chillers when needed, ensuring greater solution redundancy. For more information, contact us.
These technologies are not only theoretical achievements but have also been each with a capacity of 1.6 MW) and 330 Pro-W fan array units, all of which were proven in practice. A strong example is the Hamar data centre in Norway, a 115 MW facility awarded European Data Centre Project of the Year 2024 at the DCD Awards. Daikin delivered 71 free-cooling chillers (1.6 MW each) and 330 Pro-W fan array units, all managed by eight iDCM control systems. The project demonstrates how advanced HVAC systems can achieve exceptional reliability and efficiency even in demanding climates — a model applicable to both new builds and retrofits. Just get in touch in case you may need further information on our case studies or visit our data center’s references page.
Service excellence and lifecycle performance
Efficiency doesn’t end at commissioning. According to the Uptime Institute’s 2025 Outage Analysis, 13% of all data-centre outages are caused by cooling system failures. Of the outages linked to human factors, 16% result from missed preventive maintenance and 24% from installation errors. These figures underline why service quality and continuous support are just as critical as equipment design. Daikin’s approach combines preventive maintenance programmes, rental solutions used for backup and maintenance continuity, and real-time performance monitoring. This ensures that cooling systems continue to operate within design parameters — maintaining uptime, protecting critical equipment, and optimising lifecycle costs. For operators, this integrated approach translates into a tangible advantage: predictable reliability and measurable efficiency throughout the entire life of the facility.
Supporting Europe’s competitiveness and sovereignty
HVAC systems account for 25–40% of a data centre’s total energy consumption. Improving their performance is therefore not only an environmental imperative but a strategic one — central to Europe’s digital sovereignty. A more efficient, resilient, and locally supported data-centre ecosystem means greater independence and competitiveness for the European digital economy. The HVAC industry itself employs over 370,000 people across Europe and generates more than €40 billion in annual turnover, making it a vital component of the continent’s green and digital transition. Daikin’s ongoing investment and technological development contribute directly to this framework, aligning with both EU Green Deal objectives and the broader European Digital Strategy. Beyond technology, Daikin’s long-term vision is guided by science-based climate targets. The company’s Net Zero commitments — certified by independent organisations for both 2030 and 2050 — reaffirm its dedication to sustainability across its operations and supply chain.
A partner for every stage of the data center journey
The data-centre industry will continue to evolve — through new construction, retrofitting, and smarter operation. For Daikin, what matters is ensuring that efficiency and reliability evolve together, supporting every project phase from design to long-term operation. With advanced technology, local expertise, and end-to-end service capability, Daikin stands as a reliable partner for data-centre operators and engineers facing the challenges of Europe’s energy transition and digital future.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Daikin solutions for data centers
How to send an inquiry for Daikin equipment for data centers?
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How can I get information on Daikin case studies in data centers?
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Where are Daikin chillers for data centers manufactured?
Daikin chillers are manufactured in Italy, at the headquarters and heart of Daikin Applied Europe, located in Ariccia (Rome). This factory is dedicated to producing high-quality HVAC equipment, including two main types of chillers and heat pumps: air-sourced and water-sourced.
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Where are Daikin air handling units for data centers manufactured?
Daikin is a leader in the air handling market. The company operates five AHU factories in the EMEA region, producing over 7,000 units in 2023. These factories are in Caleppio di Settala (Italy), Cramlington (Northumberland, UK), Istanbul (Turkey), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Dubai (UAE). Thanks to this distributed production network, we can ensure optimal delivery times and cost efficiency.
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Where are Daikin computer room air handlers for data centers manufactured?
Daikin’s Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAH) units are manufactured in factories located in Caleppio di Settala (Italy) and Cramlington (Northumberland, UK).
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What cooling equipment is Daikin offering for rental?
Daikin offers rental solutions for both chiller units and heat pumps.
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Is Daikin offering any solution for data centers’ heat recovery?
Daikin offers heat recovery solutions for data center applications, tailored to the specific project requirements.
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Can Daikin offer maintenance plans for HVAC equipment in data centers?
With Daikin's years of experience in the HVAC sector, we can provide maintenance plans for data center equipment that are tailored to specific requirements.
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What about the reliability of Daikin equipment for data centres?
Daikin chillers use refrigerant-cooled inverters, ensuring functionality and maximum reliability in all operating conditions. Additionally, upon request, harmonic filters, also cooled down by refrigerant, can be included in chillers’ electrical panels. Daikin also has many more reliability arguments.
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What about the acoustic performance of Daikin equipment for data centres?
Daikin's range of chillers is extensive, allowing you to find the best units suitable for data centers, which maintain low sound power levels. Additionally, with inverter chillers, the system can be optimally structured to take advantage of partial load conditions and reduce noise. Daikin also offers the possibility of conducting a Witness Test directly at the factory before delivery, to test the machine's functions and provide further proof of its sound power.