Chongqing - As artificial intelligence fuels a global race for computing power, the electricity needed to operate data centers is becoming a growing concern for technology companies, power grids and governments worldwide.

In Chongqing, where persistent high temperatures have strained digital infrastructure, the China Unicom Southwest Data Center has maintained uninterrupted operations while using smart cooling and other energy-saving technologies to cut daily electricity consumption by more than 10,000 kWh.

The China Unicom Southwest Data Center is a major computing infrastructure facility in Chongqing and part of China’s national “East Data, West Computing” network. It operates five data-center buildings with 7,687 server racks and serves 158 customers.

Inside the facility, thousands of servers process vast volumes of data around the clock. Their performance depends on tightly controlled conditions, with equipment rooms kept between 18°C and 27°C.

“Keeping server rooms cool is a top priority for data centers,” said Deng Tao, an operation and maintenance engineer at the facility.

Deng Tao, an operation and maintenance engineer, inspects the server room at the China Unicom Southwest (Chongqing) Data Center. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

Instead of relying solely on traditional air-conditioning systems, the data center uses enclosed hot-aisle containment and in-row cooling technologies. By separating hot and cold air flows and delivering cooling directly to server racks, the system improves efficiency and reduces unnecessary energy consumption.

The cooling network integrates EC fans, chilled-water pumps, chillers, and cooling towers. Chilled water removes heat from server rooms before returning to chillers for cooling and reuse. Meanwhile, AI-powered operation and maintenance systems monitor key indicators such as temperature, humidity and equipment loads in real time, allowing engineers to identify potential risks and respond before failures occur.

Deng Tao, an operation and maintenance engineer, conducts a routine inspection of the cooling station in Building No. 5. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

Routine inspections provide additional protection. The data center’s maintenance teams conduct round-the-clock checks, while multiple backup systems, including independent power supplies, diesel generators, backup chillers and thermal storage tanks, help ensure stable operation during emergencies.

The facility has also adopted a range of green technologies to improve energy efficiency. By increasing chilled water supply temperatures and optimizing cooling cycles, the system has reduced energy consumption by about 30%—variable-frequency equipment, smart lighting and integrated power systems further lower electricity use.

Through continuous upgrades, the data center reduced its power usage effectiveness (PUE) from 1.72 to below 1.35 by 2025, saving about 3.8 million kWh of electricity annually. The daily savings of more than 10,000 kWh are equivalent to the monthly electricity consumption of around 100 households.

(Li Jiayan, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)