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more – which , in turn , kicks out a lot more heat , requiring liquid cooling and its increased power demands . Exactly what this new generation of data centres will look like is not yet clear .

“ Everybody sees it coming , but nobody is sure where they want to build , how they want to build , where they need space . So , they are all waiting for the move ,” said Pieter Schaap , Director , Soben .

The paper goes on to explore the industry ’ s second hot topic , cooling , and the challenges of designing for a technology that is still evolving .

But for those who successfully navigate the rapidly evolving landscape , there will be reward aplenty . That ’ s why it ’ s more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve . Soben ’ s second annual data centre trends report delves deep into these trends , shedding light on the transformative shifts and technological advancements expected to shape the future of data centres .

The Glasgow-based construction consultancy takes a global view of the ten trends that are shaping the trajectory of the industry and beyond .

Top of every industry agenda is the impact of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), and that ’ s where Soben ’ s report starts . Although forecasters may not agree on exactly how much AI will add to demand for data centre space , everyone concurs that its contribution will be significant . And it ’ s not just about capacity . Data centres built for High-Performance Computing and AI will be different from their standard cousins . They need faster processing equipment , which requires more power than a standard facility – perhaps 8x

“ Technology is changing , but you can only work with what you know at that point of time . You have to press the button . Be decisive but be aware of the risks , design a data centre that is adaptable ,” added Robert McQueen , Operations Director , Soben .

Exploring 10 trends in all , Soben ’ s report takes a global view of everything from power challenges and sustainability to navigating global supply chains and addressing the industry skills shortage . The report serves as a comprehensive guide for industry professionals navigating the evolving landscape of data centres .

The report concludes that whilst the rapid rise in data consumption is creating a golden age for the sector , adaptability and innovative thinking are critical . The unrelenting demand for space continues against a backdrop of land and power constraints , skill shortages , procurement issues and accelerating technological change . Knowing how to navigate this perfect storm will be the key to success .

Read the full report at www . sobencc . com / DCTrends2024 . �

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