A new global analysis has revealed that a significant portion of data centers operate outside the recommended temperature range, leading to increased costs and strain on power grids. According to the study, as of October 2025, there are about 8,808 data centers worldwide, with the effective operating guideline set between 18–27°C. Nearly 7,000 of these facilities are outside this optimal range, and approximately 600 centers are located in regions where the average annual temperature exceeds 27°C. In several countries—including Singapore, Thailand, Nigeria, and the UAE—all active data centers are situated in zones classified as too hot for efficient cooling.
Global Analysis of Data Centers in Hot Climates
Total Number and Distribution of Data Centers
The analysis considers around 8,808 active data centers as of October 2025 and compares their locations with average annual temperature data. The study notes that the majority of centers operate outside the recommended temperature range, highlighting the challenge of locating facilities across diverse climate zones. Additionally, the authors point to a growth trend: the number of data centers is expected to triple by 2030.
Optimal Operating Temperature
The study uses ASHRAE guidelines, which set the optimal temperature range for data center equipment at 18–27°C. This range is critical for maintaining cooling system efficiency and equipment reliability. When outside air temperatures fall beyond these limits, operators must intensify cooling efforts, increasing energy consumption and operational expenses.
Number of Centers Operating Outside the Optimum
Results show that nearly 7,000 data centers operate outside the optimal temperature range, with only about 600 located in regions where the average annual temperature exceeds 27°C. This means most facilities require additional cooling either in colder or warmer regions, each impacting energy use and operational stability differently.
Countries with the Hottest Conditions for Data Centers
Fully "Hot" Countries
In 21 countries—including Singapore, Thailand, Nigeria, and the UAE—all active data centers are located in zones deemed too warm for optimal equipment operation. This challenges operators to find technical and infrastructure solutions to maintain the required indoor climate. For example, Singapore already hosts significant capacity and continues expanding despite climatic constraints.
Singapore and Regional Characteristics
Singapore has over 1.4 GW of data center capacity and plans to add another 300 MW, although all 72 of its centers are in climates considered too hot for optimal operation. In these conditions, operators rely on unconventional cooling methods and infrastructure adaptations to keep equipment within acceptable temperature ranges.
Other Countries in the Region
The analysis also notes that nearly all centers in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia fall into the "too hot" category, while a significant portion of centers in Indonesia and India are located in warm regions. The growth in capacity and the desire to keep data within national borders drive investments even under challenging climatic conditions.
Challenges for Data Centers in Hot Climates
High external temperatures directly increase the load on cooling systems, resulting in higher operational costs and energy consumption. The study emphasizes that rising temperatures heighten the risk of equipment overheating, potentially leading to more failures and downtime if infrastructure is not adapted. Moreover, increased electricity demand adds pressure on local grids and energy suppliers.
Key Issues
- Increased cooling costs when operating outside the 18–27°C range.
- Additional strain on electrical grids and energy supply infrastructure.
- Higher risk of outages and reduced equipment reliability without adequate climate control.
Innovative Cooling Solutions for Data Centers
To mitigate the effects of hot climates, operators and researchers are exploring alternatives to traditional air cooling, including direct liquid cooling of chips and immersion cooling methods. These technologies can significantly reduce energy and water consumption compared to conventional air conditioning systems but are generally easier to implement in new facilities than to retrofit existing ones.
Main Technologies Being Tested by Operators
- Direct-to-chip liquid cooling.
- Hydro and immersion cooling by submerging components in dielectric fluids.
- Hybrid systems adapted for warm and humid climates.
The Future of Data Centers and Environmental Impact
Data centers consumed approximately 415 TWh of electricity in 2024, and with the projected growth in the number of centers, the load on energy systems will increase. Estimates suggest the number of data centers could triple by 2030, making sustainability and efficiency top priorities in planning new facilities. In hot regions, this calls for broader adoption of energy-saving technologies and rethinking capacity placement strategies.
The expansion of capacity and computing demand also intersects with regulatory and infrastructure permitting issues, as seen in major projects and approvals worldwide. Monitoring news about large investments and plans for multi-gigawatt data center clusters—such as projects creating massive complexes and approvals for large capacity volumes—is beneficial.
For more on large projects and their impact on power systems, see our articles on multi-gigawatt data centers and on obtaining permits for large capacity volumes, such as 10 GW for data centers. These materials help understand how large-scale projects affect demand and the grid.
Why This Matters
For miners in Russia, this news is primarily important regarding the overall load on the power system and growing competition for electricity. High cooling demands of data centers increase total energy consumption, potentially affecting electricity availability and prices in regions with limited infrastructure. At the same time, technological changes in large centers set the industry's and energy market's development direction.
Locally, for small farms and individual setups, the direct impact may be minimal, but it is worth monitoring tariff changes, regulations, and network infrastructure development plans in your area. The emergence of large projects in a region can influence power distribution priorities and grid modernization plans.
What to Do?
For miners with 1–1000 devices, it is important to minimize risks and costs without waiting for systemic changes. Practical steps can reduce heat load and maintain equipment stability in any climate.
- Monitor room temperature and aim for the 18–27°C range using insulation and proper air circulation.
- Optimize equipment placement and airflow—avoid blocking fans and ensure space for circulation.
- Invest in local cooling methods: additional fans, scheduled air conditioning, and regular radiator cleaning.
- Maintain backup power and monitoring systems to mitigate the impact of potential overloads and outages.
- Stay informed about local tariff and infrastructure changes—large projects in the region can affect electricity availability.
FAQ
Why are data centers built in hot climates? Countries expand data center numbers to meet demand for cloud services and AI and to keep data within borders, even if the climate complicates operations.
What is the optimal temperature range? Industry guidelines recommend an optimal operating temperature for data centers between 18°C and 27°C.
How many data centers are in excessively warm regions? About 600 data centers are located in zones where the average annual temperature exceeds 27°C; nearly 7,000 centers operate outside the optimal range overall.