As AI becomes integrated into everyday life, energy demand is rising with the data centre industry adapting to changes in digital infrastructure.
A newly released industry report from BCS, the global data centre consultancy, offers a data-rich lens into what’s happening behind the scenes. Based on insights from over 3,000 data centre professionals across 41 countries, the report uncovers key challenges and emerging opportunities that it states will shape the future of digital infrastructure.
A wake-up call for infrastructure leaders
The report reveals the gap between aspiration and reality, with eighty-five per cent of respondents saying their data centre infrastructure is not yet ready for AI-heavy workloads, and only one in seven organisations is using AI at scale.
However, the trend is shifting rapidly, with 79% of organisations actively increasing their infrastructure investment to support AI-readiness.
“We’re entering a pivotal moment for the data centre industry,” says James Hart, CEO at BCS. “As AI moves from buzzword to backbone, it’s reshaping not just what we build, but where, how, and why we build it. From compute-heavy model training to real-time inference at the edge, new demands are emerging that call for faster decisions and more sustainable solutions.”
The skills gap is impacting delivery
The report confirms what many already know: demand for data centre capacity is rising, with 92% of respondents expecting continued growth. But that growth is colliding with a deepening skills shortage.
Eighty-seven per cent say the supply of skilled professionals is falling, and 58% report project delays caused by workforce constraints. Roles in design, construction, and operations are all under pressure, raising concerns about labour costs, quality, and delivery timelines.
Powering the future: renewables and the role of nuclear
The increasing compute demand from AI workloads is also reshaping the industry’s energy strategy, with 75% of professionals supporting the inclusion of nuclear power, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), in the future energy mix.
But there’s caution too, as 70% believe SMRs won’t be commercially ready this decade, and 60% worry public opinion could slow adoption.
In the meantime, the push toward clean energy is undeniable:
- 91% expect at least 90% of their energy to come from renewable sources within 10 years
- 68% say global crises—like war and energy price spikes—have accelerated their renewable strategies
This reflects a shift in long-term priorities: cost stability, energy independence, and environmental sustainability now outrank legacy considerations.
A sector in transition
“This report reflects what we see on the ground every day: a market shifting fast, driven by AI, sustainability, and changing demand models,” says James Hart.
He notes that opportunity is expanding beyond Tier 1 cities, away from legacy systems and conventional assumptions. But, that opportunity comes with urgency. The AI revolution is still in its early stages, yet it’s already putting pressure on a system not designed for such workloads.
With infrastructure and energy demands rising fast, and skilled professionals in short supply, the challenge is clear: How do we keep building at pace while rethinking the systems that support the digital world?
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