The data center sector will continue to grow at a phenomenal pace in 2025. Based on developments currently under construction and planned, the global data center market is likely to expand at a 15% CAGR through 2027. This is our baseline forecast, with upside potential for a 20% CAGR through 2027.
The industry faces numerous opportunities and challenges amidst rapid expansion. The emergence of new technology provides opportunity for sustainable growth and value creation. The sector also faces significant challenges, including power constraints and increasing demand which is outstripping supply. This report examines the consequential issues facing the global data center sector and provides predictions for the year ahead.
01 Artificial intelligence (AI)
The applications of AI are expanding across nearly all industries. Billions of dollars have been invested in AI over the last couple of years and all signals suggest that AI data center demand will continue to build momentum in 2025.
02 Power grids
Excitement is building for small modular reactors (SMRs), although widespread deployment is not expected before 2030. Look for an acceleration of SMR agreements in 2025, with the total amount of gigawatts committed likely to double.
03 Liquid cooling
Liquid cooling infrastructure has quickly become a default installation in new construction. For existing facilities transitioning to higher-density workloads, liquid cooling will be a viable solution and an opportunity to increase asset value.
04 Capital markets
Roughly $170 billion in data center asset value will need to secure construction lending or permanent financing in 2025. Investment sales volume is likely to record only a modest increase in 2025 due to continued bid-ask spreads.