Linesight Warns of Data Centre Cooling Equipment Delays
The surge in AI applications is driving demand for high-density computing. As a result, more sophisticated cooling systems are needed to keep heat down and to boost energy efficiencies across the data centre industry.
However, these systems, which maintain optimal operating temperatures by removing excess heat from servers, are facing delivery delays due to supplier capacity limitations.
Data centre construction consultancy Linesight reports supply chain constraints are extending lead times for cooling equipment, threatening project completion schedules and energy efficiency targets.
Meeting industry demands
Linesight research highlights the growing concern over extended lead times for cooling equipment, a critical component for data centres, and rising copper prices which could impact supply chains across industries like data centres, as well as EVs.
The research by Linesight indicates that grid connectivity improvements are necessary to support continued growth.
Michael Riordan, UK Managing Director at Linesight, explains : "AI and densification of data centres is keeping the sector on a high-growth trajectory and spurring investment in the UK. It brings with it an increased need for power and cooling solutions.
"Improving grid connectivity to attract private investment and to maintain construction output is becoming more urgent. Cooling solutions are rapidly emerging as a critical trend to monitor, with supplier capacity and lead times starting to be impacted."
The impact of delays on data centre construction
Linesight's research emphasises the importance of supplier relationships in managing equipment procurement, recommending the strengthening of partnerships with suppliers to maintain equipment flow despite capacity constraints.
Likewise, the company suggests that Demand forecasting improvements could also help operators anticipate and address potential shortages.
“We will be working closely with clients to deepen the supply chain relationships needed to accelerate delivery of the infrastructure necessary to meet the UK’s climate and growth ambitions in the coming years,” Michael adds.
Rising copper prices, given a shortage, are up 2.2% and are one of the key events impacting the manufacturing costs of cooling equipment. Copper, used in electrical wiring and heat exchange components, is a core material in data centre cooling systems and electric vehicle production.
Supply chain disruptions too are affecting the deployment of energy-efficient cooling technologies, including liquid cooling systems and HVAC units. These technologies reduce power consumption compared to traditional air cooling methods.
Energy efficiency challenges mount as delays continue
These issues inevitably have wide-reaching energy implications. Cooling systems represent a significant portion of data centre power consumption. Therefore, delays in acquiring new cooling technology may impact operators' ability to implement energy reduction measures and meet carbon reduction targets.
Linesight research indicates that most European countries will experience construction output growth in 2025, except for the UK and Denmark, which face marginal declines. Italy in particular is projected to see an 8% reduction in construction activity.
Linesight’s research, unsurprisingly, showcases that data centre investment is surging because of rising global demand for processing capacity driven by AI.
It says that by “maintaining strong, collaborative partnerships with suppliers”, the industry “will help secure a reliable supply chain, mitigate risks of disruption and enable consistent lead times”.
- Most countries in Europe are expected to see growth in construction output in 2025: The exceptions are the UK and Denmark, which are expected to see a marginal decline, and Italy with a more pronounced contraction of over 8%.
- Growth in infrastructure, industrial, energy and data centre sectors: This is helping to sustain the momentum in the construction industry.
- With the rising demand for AI, the size and scale of mission critical sectors such as data centres and semiconductors are expected to grow significantly: This, Linesight says, will likely exacerbate the skilled labour shortage.
- Cooling solutions are rapidly emerging as a critical trend to monitor, especially for data centre operators: This has been highlighted as a major 2025 trend.
- Addressing the demand for AI computing and the densification of data centres will remain a significant challenge: This is thanks to the increased need for power, with cooling solutions adding additional pressure.
"Prices for energy-intensive commodities are largely stable but may rise in select countries, due to carbon taxes and levies targeting decarbonisation efforts. However, volatility in metal prices remains a concern," comments Richard Joyce, Managing Director for Europe at Linesight. "As AI-driven requirements grow and Europe deepens its commitments to climate neutrality, the focus on grid enhancements and alternative energy is anticipated to intensify."
He adds: “Key challenges remain on the horizon include persistent labour shortages in mission-critical sectors, dwindling contractor availability due to high demand and increases in insolvency rates.
“Recent developments in the US presidential election, and the collapse of the German coalition government could mean there are further significant market shifts ahead.
“While it is too early to call, a ripple effect from both these situations would suggest a renewed caution is to be advised as we head into 2025.”
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