The European data centre market is set for a growth explosion over the next few years, after seeing a recent surge in demand and record level of investment.
Revenues for 2022 are forecast to hit €11.12 billion in 2022 and €17.46 billion by 2026, which amounts to growth of 57% across just four years. And other predictions suggest that the European data centre market could be worth over €30.92 billion by 2028.
Growth is being fuelled by a number of factors, including rising demand for faster data processing and high bandwidth, plus the adoption of smart devices and the emergence of new technologies.
FLAP MARKETS CONTINUE TO LEAD THE WAY
Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris (FLAP) continue to be the leading data centre markets in Europe, according to many sources including the ‘Data Centre Europe – Outlook and Forecast 2022’ report.
Dublin is hot on their heels, although the Irish capital must overcome power limitations in order to see continued growth.
Together, FLAP+ D (Dublin) countries account for 57% of data centre space across the continent.
There’s also been considerable growth across secondary markets, including Warsaw, Madrid, Berlin, Zurich and Milan. In many of these countries, there’s been a rapid increase in facility build-out projects, with 70+ new builds underway in twelve countries – spanning more than 850,000 square metres of additional floor space. This also makes these regions hotspots for future investment.
Back in the UK, both Manchester and major cities in Wales are starting to emerge as growing secondary hubs.
DEMAND FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING PROFESSIONALS IN COMMISSIONING, BMS, MECHANICAL AND QA/QC
While the outlook for the European data centre market is dazzlingly bright, there is a major challenge to be overcome if the sector’s full growth potential is to be unleashed.
The industry faces a skills shortage, hindering its ability to keep up with demand. A huge 84% of data centre professionals report difficulties finding experienced data centre construction teams. The main problems appear to be in the UK, France, Ireland and Southern Europe.
A recent survey by DatacenterDynamics has also highlighted major and increasing demand for other key roles. Over half of industry respondents were struggling to find the right people within project management, scheduling and control, while 41% pointed to skill shortages within QA/QC, compliance and commissioning. Other in-demand roles including English-speaking BMS and mechanical professionals.
And according to the Global Centre Staffing Forecast 2021-2025, to operate the world’s growing number of data centres, an additional 300,000 more staff will be needed by 2025.
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