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Data centres are the backbone of today’s digital economy, but they are also some of the most resource-intensive infrastructure assets. With the rise of AI, IoT, and cloud computing, global data consumption is skyrocketing and so is the demand for energy and cooling. In response, operators and developers are rethinking how data centres are powered, built, and run. The result? A new generation of green, efficient, and AI-ready data centres shaping the future of the data centre built environment.
Sustainable by Design: From the Ground Up
Energy-efficient architecture is fast becoming a competitive differentiator for new builds in Saudi Arabia. Modular and prefab facilities enable precise material control, reduce on-site waste, and cut build time, supporting both sustainability and scale.
- Low-carbon materials: Steel, concrete, and finishes with reduced embodied carbon are gaining traction across giga projects like NEOM and Qiddiya.
- Compact footprints: Strategic design reduces land use, optimises airflow, and improves thermal dynamics, reducing the cooling load from the beginning.

Cooling That Saves Power and Water
Cooling can account for over 40% of a data centre’s energy use. That’s why operators across the Kingdom are investing in smart, sustainable cooling systems that drastically cut both energy and water consumption.
- Liquid cooling systems: With up to 80% water reduction and far greater heat management for AI workloads, liquid cooling is setting the standard for next-gen facilities.
- Heat reuse technologies: Waste heat can now be redirected to power district cooling systems or facility operations.
- Smart airflow controls: Advanced monitoring tools and thermal imaging dynamically adjust cooling strategies in real time.
Powering the Shift: Clean Energy Meets Resilience
Saudi Arabia’s Net Zero 2060 target and the Saudi Green Initiative are pushing data centres to embrace renewable power and energy storage. Powering data centres is a key concern for operators, particularly with the shift to energy-intensive facilities and increasing low-carbon demands from clients.

- Solar PV and battery backup: Data centres are looking at how to integrate clean energy, such as solar PV and battery solutions, to provide low-emissions power.
- Grid partnerships: Collaboration with utility providers like Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) is enabling cleaner energy contracts and hybrid energy sourcing. SEC has also introduced a special, lower electricity consumption tariff for cloud computing to encourage investment into the country.
- Fuel cell and hydrogen pilots: Some developers are beginning to explore low-emission backup power alternatives aligned with the Kingdom’s hydrogen roadmap.
Join the Conversation at DCTC KSA 2025
Stay ahead of the data centre revolution. Join top regulators, developers, operators, hyperscalers, and enterprises at Data Centre Technology ConFex KSA 2025 happening at Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel from 21–22 October 2025.
Co-located with 5th Construction Technology ConFex KSA 2025 - connecting the ConTech and Digital ecosystems, all under one roof!