Schneider Electric launches new liquid-cooling systems for AI data centers

Schneider's Motivair unit introduced two coolant distribution units: the MCDU-45 and MCDU-55. They are available globally. Production ramps in early 2026 to meet rising thermal loads from HPC and AI workloads (source: 1). Research and Markets projects the data-center liquid-cooling market will grow from USD 870 million in 2024 to USD 10.70 billion by 2030 (CAGR 51.93%) (source: 2). Growth is driven by direct-to-chip and immersion solutions in hyperscale deployments. NANO Nuclear issued a Request for Information to seek commercial partners for DOE and NASA lunar surface reactor work (source: 3). Its LOKI microreactor is designed for ~300 kW–1 MW and is scalable to ~100 kWe. LOKI is targeted under 15 metric tons for cis-lunar power use cases. Gartner forecasts worldwide AI spending of about $2.52 trillion in 2026. AI infrastructure spending is forecast at ~$1.366 trillion, roughly 54% of total spend (sources: 4,5). Liquid cooling—direct-to-chip and immersion—is now the primary thermal strategy for higher rack power densities. Schneider's MCDUs emphasize compact footprints and chiller-plant integration to improve PUE and uptime (sources: 1,2). Operators should plan cooling rollouts with power procurement and site electrification. Expect accelerated liquid-cooling retrofits and greenfield adoption. Longer-term projects may evaluate modular or non-terrestrial nuclear options as strategic power hedges (sources: 1,2,3,4).

Why It Matters

• Plan for liquid cooling now: scope piping, leak detection, fluid management and chiller integration during design or retrofit to avoid rework and downtime.
• Budget for infrastructure: Gartner forecasts AI infrastructure will consume ~54% of 2026 AI spend (~$1.366T), so power, cooling and electrification must be major line items in TCO.
• Expect higher upfront costs and longer lead times: factor increased CAPEX, specialist installers and integration work for direct-to-chip and immersion deployments.
• Monitor modular nuclear and edge power options: RFI activity (e.g., LOKI-class reactors) signals vendor and government interest in modular/non-terrestrial power for extreme or remote sites—track outcomes if you operate mission-critical or remote deployments.