China's computing infrastructure cycle is moving from capacity expansion toward power-led AI infrastructure deployment. GDS Holdings plans to invest more than RMB 30bn in Ulanqab over five years to build GW-scale green-powered data centre clusters. The event highlights a market shift from rack count and floor area toward power availability, green electricity coverage, high-density delivery and liquid cooling capability.
Third-party IDC operator investing in AI data centre clusters and green-powered computing infrastructure in China.
GDS is a major third-party data centre operator whose Ulanqab investment reflects how AI demand is reshaping Chinese computing infrastructure and green power deployment.
Third-party IDC operator investing in AI data centre clusters and green-powered computing infrastructure in China.
The project signals that power availability, green electricity ratios, high-density racks, liquid cooling and modular delivery are becoming core value drivers for AI data centre capacity.
The project signals that power availability, green electricity ratios, high-density racks, liquid cooling and modular delivery are becoming core value drivers for AI data centre capacity.
GDS plans a GW-scale Ulanqab data centre cluster as China’s AI infrastructure cycle shifts toward green power and high-density delivery.
The project signals that power availability, green electricity ratios, high-density racks, liquid cooling and modular delivery are becoming core value drivers for AI data centre capacity.
Published reporting
• RMB 30 billion five-year investment targets over 80% green electricity
• AI orders now exceed 50MW, favouring operators with power and cooling depth
The fact
GDS Holdings has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ulanqab to invest more than RMB 30 billion over five years in GW-scale green-powered data centre clusters. The project targets over 80% green electricity coverage through direct green power supply and trading mechanisms, backed by China's expanding AI infrastructure budget cycle.
The Assessment
China's data centre race is no longer about IDC expansion — it's about power, cooling and delivery speed at GW scale. Average AI orders now exceed 50MW, some top 100MW, with 8- to 15-year contracts. For internet infrastructure, the lesson is clear: the competitive moat in China's AI buildout isn't land or fibre, it's access to cheap, reliable, green megawatts. Operators without power depth will lose utilisation.
What to Watch
Watch GDS's Ulanqab grid connection, green power procurement at scale, liquid-cooled capacity rollout, and whether domestic chip availability unlocks further AI infrastructure orders.
Signal Brief
- Signal: GDS builds GW-scale green-powered AI cluster in Ulanqab
- Signal Type: Green Powered AI Data Centre Expansion
- Region: Asia Pacific
- Market Class: Datacenter
Operating Surface
- Published sources should identify the affected parties, operating surface, and market exposure before this trend map is treated as complete.
Market Context
- The project signals that power availability, green electricity ratios, high-density racks, liquid cooling and modular delivery are becoming core value drivers for AI data centre capacity.
- Operational relevance: High
- Time Horizon: Next quarter
What To Watch
- Watch for official statements, regulatory updates, customer or partner exposure, and follow-up disclosures.
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