VIDEO – The data center industry stands on the brink of a transformative 2024, propelled by regional growth and technological innovations. In an unprecedented in-person panel discussion, David Liot of datacenterHawk brought together the company’s regional directors, each a renowned figure in their area. Steve Sasse, Damon Lim, Annemarie van Zadelhoff, and Ed Socia, representing Latin America, Asia Pacific, EMEA, and North America respectively, convened to share their insights into the evolving data center landscape.
datacenterHawk’s comprehensive platform, instrumental in aiding stakeholders from investors to providers, enriches decision-making with detailed market data, including size, absorption, pricing, and vacancy rates. This meeting provided a rare opportunity to hear from industry veterans about the dynamic changes sweeping across global data center markets.
Latin America, as highlighted by Steve Sasse, has seen substantial growth, with a significant 38% increase in commissioned power in the year’s first three quarters. Despite power challenges, the region is poised for further expansion, with secondary markets like Rio and Bogota gaining prominence.
Damon Lim shed light on the shifting landscape in the Asia Pacific region. Historically concentrated around key hubs, the region is now branching out due to Singapore’s power scarcity and stringent data residency laws. The demand for data centers is spurring exploration into new areas, requiring innovative infrastructure solutions for smaller-scale, high-density operations.
In EMEA, Annemarie van Zadelhoff underscored the rapid growth expected in the Middle East, propelled by cheaper power rates and a strong push towards renewable energy. The Nordics are emerging as a crucial hub, thanks to their lower power costs. North America, as discussed by Ed Socia, is witnessing a strategic shift in data center locations, with Atlanta and Dallas experiencing significant colocation growth. Looking ahead, regions like Lancaster, Texas, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, are poised to cater to hyperscale user needs due to their proximity to power sources.
Liquid Cooling
The panel discussion also delved into trends that are shaping the future of data centers. There is a growing focus on diversification and the exploration of secondary markets. Cities like Rio, Bogota, Madrid, Barcelona, and Milan are attracting attention due to their potential for growth and increasing interest from hyperscale entities.
Technological advancements, particularly in liquid cooling, are revolutionizing data center design and engineering. With the surge in demand for higher-density computing, companies are exploring liquid-cooled data centers to efficiently manage these new requirements.
Sustainability and renewable energy initiatives are becoming integral to the industry. Many regions have committed to achieving data center neutrality by 2030, with a focus on using renewable energy sources. Governments are also offering incentives to foster digital economy growth while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Despite the complexities in infrastructure development, the panel remains optimistic about the data center industry’s future. The datacenterHawk panel discussion highlighted the critical role of robust infrastructure in global societies, emphasizing the significance of data centers in our increasingly interconnected world. The anticipation of emerging markets, combined with technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability, paints a dynamic landscape for the industry.
As 2024 approaches, the excitement and prospects are palpable. With datacenterHawk preparing to add new markets to its platform, the team encourages engagement and collaboration, inviting stakeholders to join in shaping the future of data centers. This convergence of industry leaders not only forecasts a year of significant evolution but also reinforces the data center sector’s vital role in the fabric of modern society.
Watch the datacenterHawk’s full panel discussion here:
