Foreword
A dynamic and growing area
The data centre market continues to be one of the most dynamic and growing areas of the global economy.
This year, global market revenue is projected to reach US$416bn, fuelled by the international explosion of data use – including the integration of digital products into everyday lives, and the ongoing AI and cloud-computing revolutions.
Our annual survey of the global data centre market reflects the optimism of a sector expecting this growth to continue. Notably, at a time where many sectors face rocky economic outlooks, 80 percent of respondents believe the data centre market to be ‘recession proof’.
Interest and investment in the sector are higher than ever before, with the client landscape shifting as more institutional funds and alternative investors enter the space. Recent announcements such as the US$30bn BlackRock AI investment fund demonstrate a growing commitment to help provide the energy infrastructure required for the sector to meet demand.
Despite high levels of investment, deep-rooted issues remain in the medium term around power availability, sustainability provisions and ongoing skills shortages – particularly in electrical trades, which are limiting the pace of growth.
While costs continue to rise, our report reflects a healthy construction outlook, fuelled by expansion into new regions and investor confidence in the sector.
“Despite rising costs, the data centre market remains optimistic, with 80 percent of respondents believing it to be ‘recession proof.”
Lisa Duignan Data Centre Cost Index Lead
