The data centre sector is undergoing rapid expansion, evolving into increasingly complex ecosystems where technologies, operational processes and people must work seamlessly together. This acceleration is accompanied by new challenges, including the need to reduce operational risk, comply with more stringent sustainability frameworks, and significantly lower energy consumption and carbon emissions. Across Europe, market growth continues to be driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence workloads and cloud computing, while constraints related to energy availability and land use are becoming more pronounced. In this context, regulatory developments are raising efficiency requirements and introducing heat‑reuse obligations, reinforcing the role of high‑performance HVAC systems as a key factor in both regulatory compliance and competitive differentiation.

From July 2026, Germany’s Energieeffizienzgesetz (EnEfG) will require new data centres to recover and reuse a portion of their waste heat, with targets progressively increasing from 10% in 2026 to 20% by 2028, alongside the introduction of a PUE threshold of 1.2 from 2027. These measures underscore the strategic importance of advanced cooling and heating technologies in supporting Europe’s wider energy‑efficiency objectives. 

At the same time, the sector is challenged by grid constraints, complex permitting processes, skills shortages and increasing pressure on supply‑chain reliability—where product quality, availability and technical support can directly impact project delivery and long‑term performance. Selecting experienced technology partners is therefore essential to reducing risk across the entire data‑centre lifecycle.

Daikin addresses these challenges through an integrated approach that combines proven technologies with deep application expertise. Backed by dedicated project teams, an extensive service network and comprehensive customer support, Daikin acts as a trusted partner from design through operation. This approach is reflected in landmark projects such as OSL‑Hamar, Norway’s largest data centre owned by Green Mountain, where Daikin’s advanced cooling and control solutions contribute to an industry‑leading average PUE of 1.2. With dedicated testing facilities in Italy for systems up to 10 MW and a portfolio covering all major cooling architectures—including air, water, liquid cooling and heat recovery—Daikin delivers scalable, future‑ready solutions that enable data‑centre operators to achieve efficiency, performance and sustainability goals with confidence.

Data Centre World Frankfurt 2026: A Key Meeting Point for the Global Data Centre Industry

At Data Centre World Frankfurt 2026, Daikin will showcase its comprehensive approach to data centre cooling, combining advanced technology demonstrations with direct engagement from its specialist teams.  Alongside its established portfolio, Daikin will unveil its soon‑to‑launch Compact Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU), a high‑performance direct‑to‑chip liquid cooling solution engineered to meet the demands of next‑generation, AI‑driven data centres. Designed for effortless integration across diverse data centre configurations, the Compact CDU combines an ultra‑compact footprint with outstanding operational efficiency. It delivers an ultra‑low approach temperature of up to 2K while significantly reducing pumping energy consumption, thanks to its advanced IE5 ultra‑high‑efficiency motor. In addition, Daikin will showcase the Daikin Pro‑C CRAH, engineered to address the cooling needs of a broad spectrum of data centre environments. Built around an optimised design and intelligent control strategies, the unit delivers consistently high performance while maximising energy efficiency. Offering a cooling capacity from 30 kW to 210 kW, the Pro‑C CRAH provides exceptional flexibility and modularity, ensuring smooth integration across diverse layouts and operating requirements. To enhance the exhibition experience, Daikin will also offer an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience in a dedicated interactive area. Visitors will be invited to take part in a complete virtual factory tour, exploring Daikin’s production facilities, gaining insight into each stage of the manufacturing process, and discovering how its solutions are developed.  Building on this commitment, Daikin will use the event to translate industry challenges into practical, scalable cooling solutions. Through real‑world case studies and hands‑on demonstrations, the company aims to contribute to a broader industry dialogue on how data centres can continue to scale while ensuring operational resilience, energy efficiency, and long‑term sustainability. Beyond technology, Daikin will also underscore the strategic importance of strong partnerships—an essential factor in navigating the rapidly evolving data centre landscape.

About Daikin Applied Europe

Daikin Applied Europe is part of the global Daikin Industries group and is based in Italy (Ariccia, Rome). It represents the European center of excellence for the design and manufacture of chillers, heat pumps, air handling units, compressors and inverters. Products manufactured by Daikin Applied Europe serve a wide range of applications worldwide. The product portfolio ranges from 10 to 11000 kW of cooling capacity and from 200 to 144000 m3/h of air flow for ventilation. The company employs more than 1000 people across three sites in Italy. More information: https://www.daikinapplied.eu/