An opening survey conducted at the beginning of the session showed that:
The panel discussion focused on the fact that data centres have become one of the fastest-growing segments of the real estate and infrastructure market, with investor interest at record levels.
Yet the sector’s greatest challenge today is not access to capital, but rather access to power and grid connectivity. Demand is being driven above all by artificial intelligence, cloud services, and the growing need for data processing, while in many countries energy infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with that growth.
The speakers also pointed out that investment is gradually shifting away from the most mature markets towards new locations, where it is easier to secure power, land, and faster permitting procedures. In Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, the Nordic countries, and Central and Eastern Europe were all highlighted as promising destinations. The success of projects now depends largely on shovel-ready land, permits, energy access, and the mitigation of planning and environmental risks.
Another major theme was the importance of spatial planning and cooperation with local authorities. Without this, even large and well-funded projects can be delayed or blocked. Social acceptance is also becoming increasingly important, as local communities want to see tangible benefits from such investments, for example through the use of waste heat, environmental initiatives, or support for the local economy.
Overall conclusion from the discussion was clear: the data centre sector needs not only capital and energy, but also regulatory predictability, operational resilience, and security, as data centres are increasingly seen as critical infrastructure. At the same time, the panellists agreed that the market will continue to grow strongly, although some consolidation among operators and greater project selectivity can also be expected.
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photo: Greenfields
