Apac data centre capacity to double by 2030, AI boom creating ‘generational shift’ in power demand: JLL
Data collected by the real estate consultancy presents that Apac data centre capacity will jump from 32 gigawatts (GW) to 57 GW by 2030. Globally, data centre capacity is expected to hit 200GW by then, driven mainly by hyperscale cloud growth and AI need.
Against this backdrop, hyperscalers have reported US$ 200 billion ($ 253 billion) in infrastructure investing for 2026, up 51% from 2025. Nevertheless, in spite of the record capital investment, interconnection lines for brand-new eco-friendly projects now include 4 years or more in some regions, with particular areas compelled to pause brand-new connections entirely, according to JLL.
While data center build-out still outpaces grid preparation in a number of Apac markets, Cameron expects local dynamics and grid access difficulties to drive brand-new partnership versions. “Whilst the solution will differ relying on scenarios, it is clear we are going to see a lot more collaboration chances and innovative solutions between data centre and energy customers across the area.”
Data centre capacity in Asia Pacific (Apac) is forecasted to nearly two times by 2020, as AI-fuelled development reverses a decades-long trend of stable or declining electricity need, according to research study by JLL.
As a result, grid access is progressively driving decision-making for developers, data centre operators, energy firms, and tech business. “For any type of energy developer, without having a grid connection, you don’t have a project,” Jack detailed. “For investors, this grid congestion translates directly into danger, however it also produces a shortage premium for possessions that give or obtain grid access.”
The AI and information centre growth has actually led to a “generational change in energy demand”, said Steven Jack, the company’s head of energy and infrastructure for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, in a Sept 8 release. “Utilities that were forecasting small development are currently grappling with figures virtually double their previous estimates.”
The restraints are creating new chances in similar industry. One such possibility hinges on battery energy storage systems (BESS), that JLL posits will play a progressively important role in handling minimal grid access and renewable energy intermittency. “They act as shock absorbers for constrained grids, charging when power is cheap and plenty, then releasing when demand and rate are high,” said Eastwick.
At the same time, grid accessibility challenges are triggering market players to turn into direct players in the energy market, with some technology companies opting to outright purchase operating renewable assets to guarantee electrical power supply, according to JLL.
In the middle of a decentralised increase of new renewable resource sources, existing transmission facilities– initially developed for big, centralised power stations– has struggled to deal, causing significant grid blockage around the world.
That change has actually decisively improved the information centre landscape, with grid framework now emerging as the key restriction. “Power need is climbing faster than grids were built to manage,” commented Matt Eastwick, JLL’s US group head and senior handling director for energy and infrastructure.
In any case, securing power supply is now leading of mind for data centre investors in Apac, stated James Cameron, JLL’s head of energy and facilities for the area. “In liberalised industry in Apac, like Australia, India, Japan and the Philippines, status and area of grid connection is the first concern for financiers and has the largest valuation effect for development assets.”
