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Owners eye data center retrofits as legacy sites hit power and cooling limits
A tech transition shift is forcing many older data centers, built 10 to 20 years ago, to add cooling, electrical capacity, and possibly liquid cooling to compete with newer, higher density facilities.
Bisnow reports that many data centers built during the industry’s early growth years are nearing a crossroads as demand rises but older facilities struggle to meet today’s power density, cooling requirements, and tenant expectations.
The outlet says the challenge for owners is often less about whether an asset still has value and more about whether it can be adapted to stay competitive, noting that legacy components such as computer room air handlers may reach end of life.
Bisnow adds that increased density can require additional cooling capacity, electrical infrastructure, and support for technologies such as liquid cooling, with owners needing to assess whether existing structures, systems, and site constraints can handle upgrades.
The piece also highlights that retrofit execution can be complex, with careful coordination required to implement improvements, perform control upgrades to building automation systems, and manage cutovers without disrupting critical infrastructure.