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 AI data center cluster in Ulanqab, as China's AI infrastructure cycle shifts toward green energy 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
• A 30 billion RMB investment over five years targeting over 80% green electricity
• AI orders now exceed 50 MW, favoring operators with depth in power and cooling
The Fact
GDS Holdings has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ulanqab to invest over 30 billion RMB over five years in GW-scale green-powered data center clusters. The project aims for over 80% green electricity coverage through direct green power procurement and exchange mechanisms, supported by the capital expenditure cycle of AI infrastructure expansion in China.
The Assessment
The data center race in China is no longer about IDC expansion — it is about power, cooling, and delivery speed at GW scale. Average AI orders now exceed 50 MW, some reaching 100 MW, with 8- to 15-year contracts. For internet infrastructure, the lesson is clear: the competitive barrier in China's AI expansion is not land or fiber, but access to cheap, reliable, green megawatts. Operators without depth in power will lose utilization.
What to Watch
Watch GDS's grid connection in Ulanqab, large-scale green energy procurement, liquid-cooled capacity deployment, and whether domestic chip availability will unlock new AI infrastructure orders.
Signal Brief
- Signal: GDS Builds GW-Scale AI Cluster Powered by Green Energy 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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