AI changes the game
The need for technological upgrades is one of the top drivers for increased data centre infrastructure investment.
92 percent of our survey respondents see AI as the technology that will have the most significant impact on data centre operations in the next three to five years. This is backed up by McKinsey research, which estimates that generative AI could help create between US$2.6tn and US$4.4tn in economic value throughout the global economy.
AI-focused data centres have a different set of requirements that need to be navigated. Managing increasing power and cooling demands was identified by survey respondents as the top challenge currently being faced by those working on AI data centre projects.
Figure 8
What is the primary driver for your organisation’s investment in data centre infrastructure over the next 12 months?
Figure 9
What challenges has your organisation encountered in the construction and deployment of AI data centres?
Liquid cooling is positioning itself as the cooling solution for HPC, but its widespread adoption depends upon advances in technology. This year, Stellium set up a proof-of-concept liquid cooling system in Newcastle, England, to help demonstrate progress towards more energy efficient approaches.
Sourcing skilled talent for AI data centre construction is also a major challenge, in what is already a constrained sector. Specialisms such as commissioning are expected to come under increased pressure for talent due to the complexity and time demand associated with solutions like liquid-to-liquid cooling.
The AI boom will also impact the geographic picture of the data centre market. Asian governments, such as in Singapore, are focusing on introducing stringent environmental regulations and insisting on ‘best-in-class’ efficiency standards for new data centres. It remains to be seen if this will encourage AI data centre investors keen to demonstrate that data can also be sustainable, or if it will prove a barrier to energy-efficient projects.
Meanwhile, the USA, which is currently leading the world in AI development, will need the data centres to maintain this trend. McKinsey predicts that data centre energy demand in America will increase from 25GW to over 80GW in the next six years. This could lead to much greater competition for power and potentially higher costs or delays to delivery.
Causes for optimism
While worldwide power shortages are inhibiting the global data centre market's growth, the emerging trend of private sector investment pivoting into energy infrastructure will be a game-changer for the sector.
Data centres are set to benefit from an influx of fresh thinking as talent from other industries is integrated more widely, particularly from investors, power and utilities.
The positive drive towards businesses offering attractive apprenticeship and training schemes for critical skills will also help to future-proof the data centre industry and ensure the strong growth and success continues in the years to come.
