Exclusive: Stephen Zhao & Steve Hickson on Cooling Solutions

Castrol highlights a critical but often overlooked challenge in data centres: the gradual decline in attention given to cooling systems after initial commissioning. While systems are carefully monitored at deployment, ongoing maintenance – such as fluid testing and performance checks – tends to decrease over time as operators prioritise efficiency and streamlined operations. This lack of consistent oversight can lead to serious issues, including corrosion, bacterial contamination and fluid degradation – ultimately increasing the risk of downtime and costly remediation. The conversation reinforces the need for continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance to ensure long-term system reliability and performance.