EMEA data centre market faces power supply constraints

The EMEA data centre sector is experiencing strong demand from hyperscale cloud and AI workloads, yet expansion is being limited by power availability and grid constraints. Operators are responding by considering self‑generation and microgrid solutions, especially in Ireland, Germany and the United Kingdom where grid restrictions are pronounced.

The Colliers EMEA Data Centre Markets Report notes that the region currently has about 12.5 GW of operational capacity and a development pipeline of roughly 7 GW of projects under construction in cities such as London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Helsinki and Riyadh. An additional 7.8 GW of projects have been announced across the region. Investment is increasingly directed toward sites with secured energy supplies and supportive regulatory environments. Outside Europe, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are also active, driven by national digital infrastructure strategies.