The 18th China Cooling and Heating Industry Development Summit recently convened to explore intelligent cooling and digital transformation pathways. Data center liquid cooling technology was highlighted as the primary driver of industrial growth, drawing hundreds of enterprises and research institutions to discuss future industry standards and deployments.
Overview of the 18th China Cooling and Heating Industry Summit
The 18th China Cooling and Heating Industry Development Summit officially convened on September 16 and 17, 2026. Anchored by the core theme of "Intelligent Cooling and Heating, Digital Future," the event utilized a comprehensive framework featuring a main summit alongside five specialized sub-forums. The gathering attracted hundreds of representatives from government agencies, universities, research institutions, and the entire HVAC upstream and downstream supply chain. Through standard discussions, achievement releases, and industry exhibitions, the summit systematically explored the strategic pathways for intelligent cooling and digital transformation across the sector.
Data Center Liquid Cooling: The Core Growth Engine
A central consensus at the summit was the profound structural differentiation currently reshaping the industry. Li Jiang, President of the China Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association, emphasized that the sector is undergoing deep transformation, with data center liquid cooling emerging as the most representative growth track. This paradigm shift demands elevated technical support and comprehensive service capabilities from the entire value chain. Yang Jie, Chairman of China IOL, corroborated this trajectory, noting that while traditional residential comfort cooling faces growth pressure, industrial process-oriented tracks like data center cooling are experiencing rapid expansion. Despite the cyclical nature of the HVAC market, the pivot toward high-value, compute-intensive thermal management solutions is undeniable.
Technical Details and Quality Infrastructure Upgrades
To support these advanced applications, the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) is undergoing critical upgrades. Xie Baogang, Deputy Dean of Hefei General Electromechanical Products Testing Institute, explained that testing platforms are evolving toward large-scale, extreme-condition adaptability, and digitalization. Certification is expanding from single-product compliance to full-lifecycle value assessment. Highlighting this commitment, the summit hosted the inaugural "CRAA Certification for Data Center Dedicated Water Chillers," with the first batch of benchmark enterprises passing rigorous testing and factory quality assurance audits. Furthermore, a newly added data center sub-forum explored liquid cooling iteration paths, full-stack solutions, core component R&D, and the commercialization of magnetic levitation systems, establishing a comprehensive exchange hub for the entire cooling supply chain.
Market Context: Macroeconomics and Supply Chain Dynamics
The summit also dissected the macroeconomic and supply chain realities shaping the industry. Zhang Wei, Chief Macro Analyst at Caitong Securities, highlighted that amid global stagflation and debt crises, a long-term weakening of the US dollar and appreciation of the RMB present a strategic window for Chinese HVAC manufacturers to expand globally. He noted that structural imbalances in the US and stagflation in Japan and Europe further highlight China's full supply chain advantages. On the supply side, Ren Zhuqian, Vice President of Mysteel, analyzed raw material impacts. Steel prices remain low, while copper demand, driven by AI expansion, keeps prices high, directly increasing heat exchanger costs. Aluminum supply remains tight due to new energy demands. Ren advised enterprises to leverage digital tools for dynamic cost control.
Industry Impact: Energy Transition and Dual-Cycle Growth
Fang Qing, Supervisor of the China Energy Conservation Association, positioned the HVAC industry as a core battleground for achieving national energy conservation and carbon peak targets. The sector is currently experiencing a unique dual-cycle rhythm: stock replacement driven by expanding trade-in policies, and explosive growth in incremental scenarios. New tracks such as new energy storage, computing power thermal management, industrial heat pumps, and low-temperature cold chains are generating robust growth curves. Combined with rigid equipment replacement demands triggered by extreme climate events, this dual resonance of revitalizing existing assets and capturing new demands ensures the industry's pivotal role in the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.
Future Outlook and Strategic Industry Resources
Looking ahead, the industry's long-term resilience remains intact, underpinned by irreversible global warming trends and rising living standards that continuously expand application scenarios. To guide this future, the summit saw the debut of critical industry resources, including the "China Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Map: Data Center Cooling Equipment," the "2026 China Refrigerant Industry Development Yearbook," and the "2026 China Compressor Industry Development Yearbook." Additionally, discussions on "computing-power and electricity synergy" pointed toward deeper integration between cooling infrastructure and power grids. As the industry transitions from "Made in China" to "Created in China," data center liquid cooling will undeniably remain the primary catalyst for high-quality, sustainable development.