Interview: No Powerful Data Centres Without Efficient Cooling

Four Questions for Stefan Bastian, Managing Director of ebm-papst neo

Artificial intelligence, cloud applications and data-intensive digital services are causing the energy demand of data centres to grow continuously. Cooling plays a key role here, as it is a decisive factor for the efficiency, performance and sustainability of digital infrastructures. In this interview, Stefan Bastian, Managing Director of ebm-papst neo, explains how intelligent air and cooling systems support the operation of modern data centres and why exchange within the industry is becoming increasingly important.

Modern data centres are the backbone of digitalisation. What role does ebm-papst play as a specialist in cooling and air technology?

As the world's leading German provider of fans and motors, ebm-papst is a genuine hidden champion in the data centre industry. With our high-quality and highly efficient solutions, we supply customers around the globe and hold a significant market share in the field of cooling technology for data centres.

The rising energy demand driven by AI applications and high rack densities is currently changing data centre requirements massively. Where do you see the greatest levers for operating data centres more efficiently, sustainably and future-proof?

"The largest share of energy consumption during ongoing operation is attributable to cooling. In many data centres, around 20 to 30 per cent of total energy consumption arises here."

This is where ebm-papst makes a decisive contribution: from high-performance components and intelligent control technology through to AI-supported cooling system orchestration. This results in solutions that help operators, partners and end customers to use energy efficiently and sustainably increase the performance of their infrastructures.

Data centres and technical facilities today need to be operated efficiently and continuously optimised throughout their entire life cycle. How does ebm-papst support operators in this regard?

ebm-papst supports operators, planners and integrators across all phases of the data centre life cycle. Whether modernising existing facilities, supporting retrofit projects, advising during the planning phase or optimising ongoing operations, we provide our customers with in-depth expertise.

What prompted you to join the eco Association, and which topics or perspectives would you like to bring into future exchange within the digital industry?

Digital transformation requires resilient, secure and efficient data centres. This calls for close exchange between all players along the value chain. eco - Association of the Internet Industry brings the relevant market participants together. For ebm-papst, membership of the eco Association is therefore a logical step.

It offers the opportunity to actively help shape the future of digital infrastructure, strengthen dialogue within the industry and work together on sustainable solutions for the data centres of tomorrow.

"Sustainable digitalisation needs energy-efficient and resilient data centres. Together with the eco Association, we want to contribute our expertise and actively support the further development of digital infrastructure."