datacenterHawk

As we enter 2026, the global data center industry is at a critical turning point. Historic absorption rates over the past year have been driven by the growing demand for AI infrastructure. In this episode of the Data Center Hawk podcast, Founder and CEO David Liggitt joins regional leaders Ed Socia (North America), David Sandars (EMEA), Dedi Iskandar (APAC), and Steve Sasse (Latin America) to analyze key trends and predict how power dynamics, emerging markets, and hyperscale strategies will shape the industry in the year ahead.North America leads in data center development, but the growth is shifting geographically. Regional Director Ed Socia highlights a movement toward nontraditional markets like North Dakota, Wyoming, and Missouri, driven by available power and the need to avoid community pushback. AI providers are building large, master-planned campuses in these areas.Regions like West Texas are seeing plans for massive 1-gigawatt projects, although network latency keeps traditional hubs like Chicago and Northwest Indiana relevant. Additionally, smaller enterprise demand (20-50MW) is carving a niche alongside hyperscale developments, signaling diverse growth within the market.In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, diversification is the name of the game. Regional Director David Sandars notes a slowdown in speculative building, with some projects delayed until 2026 or 2027. Interest is expanding beyond traditional FLAP-D markets to areas like Zaragoza, Spain, and parts of Eastern Europe, including Romania, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.The Middle East is emerging as a major AI hub, with plans for multi-gigawatt campuses. Its strategic location between Europe and Asia is attracting investments not only from western hyperscalers but also from countries like South Korea, keen to support their tech industries.The Asia-Pacific market has doubled in size from 5GW to 10GW in just two years. Regional Director Dedi Iskandar highlights that while Japan and Australia remain key hubs, power constraints in major cities like Tokyo are pushing developments into tier-two markets.Johor in Southeast Asia has quickly become a 2GW market, while India’s rapid growth positions it as a future leader, potentially surpassing Tokyo. Unlike Europe’s cautious pace, APAC’s AI companies demand fast delivery, often seeking 100MW+ capacities within just 3 to 6 months. Emerging hotspots like Melbourne, Chennai, Bangkok, and Vietnam are reaping the benefits, with governments offering incentives to attract digital infrastructure.In Latin America, Chinese cloud operators such as Tencent, Alibaba, and Huawei have stepped in as US providers focus more domestically. Regional Director Steve Sasse notes expansion across Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Peru.Looking ahead, the region is leveraging its renewable energy resources to attract AI-focused hyperscale investments. Brazil leads the market, accounting for nearly 40% of the economic base and introducing legislation to reduce GPU chip import taxes. Meanwhile, Argentina is gaining attention for its vast natural gas reserves, positioning itself as a potential dark horse for on-site power generation.The global demand for data center capacity shows no sign of slowing, but how that demand is met varies greatly by region. From gigawatt-scale campuses in West Texas and AI hubs in the Middle East to APAC’s rapid tier-two growth and LATAM’s renewable energy strategies, the industry is evolving to address power constraints and shifting needs.For investors and IT professionals, understanding these regional trends will be critical to navigating and capitalizing on the next wave of digital infrastructure growth in 2026.North America: The Rise of Nontraditional MarketsEMEA: Capacity Challenges Amid AI GrowthAsia-Pacific: Tier-Two Markets Take OffLatin America: Renewable Power and Chinese Cloud ExpansionConclusion

David Liggitt, CEO of datacenterHawk, recently spoke with Tahir Gok, MENA Lead and Senior Analyst, about the dynamic growth of the Middle East’s data center industry. Their discussion highlighted the region's evolution from a telco-driven market to a global hub for AI and hyperscale development, examining key drivers, market dynamics, and future trends across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other emerging markets.The Middle East data center market has transformed significantly over the last five years. Initially dominated by telco-owned infrastructure, the entry of hyperscalers like AWS and Microsoft around 2020 marked a turning point. This shift mirrors global trends as the region moves toward a hyperscale-focused ecosystem, positioning itself for rapid growth.The conversation highlighted AI as the leading catalyst for growth. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are spearheading this transformation with ambitious sovereign AI strategies, fueling unprecedented investment in digital infrastructure. For instance, Microsoft is shipping thousands of Nvidia chips to the UAE, while G42 is building a five-gigawatt compute campus. In total, $7.9 billion has been committed to regional AI-driven expansion. Challenges such as power availability, export licensing, and GPU delivery timelines remain key constraints, but the momentum is undeniable.Although AI leads the charge, strategies vary by location. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are prioritizing native AI capacity, sometimes bypassing traditional hyperscale builds. Tier 2 markets, such as Qatar, Oman, and Turkey, are growing more conservatively, driven by connectivity and retail cloud demand. Qatar, for example, has a vacancy rate of just 1.17%, thanks to government-led initiatives, while Turkey attracts semiconductor investments through programs like "HIT 30." Oman leverages new subsea cable landings to boost its strategic importance. For operators, understanding these localized dynamics is essential, as regulatory factors often favor ground leases and build-to-suit projects over freehold land transactions.The region's expansion plans hinge on securing sustainable and scalable power. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are exploring solar and natural gas plants to meet the significant energy demands of AI deployments. Tahir Gok emphasized that reducing power costs by up to 50% will be crucial to making large-scale AI projects economically viable. Efficient power infrastructure will be the cornerstone of the region’s growth over the next three to five years.This discussion underscores how the Middle East has transitioned from an emerging market to a key player in global digital infrastructure. With bold AI goals and massive capital investments, the region is scaling data center capacity at an unprecedented pace. However, success will depend on navigating unique regional strategies, regulatory environments, and power constraints. The trends explored in this conversation will undoubtedly shape the future of data centers, both in the Middle East and worldwide.Rapid Transformation: From Telco to HyperscaleAI Driving ExpansionRegional Market DynamicsFocus on Power and SustainabilityA Global Digital Hub

The European data center market is rapidly evolving, driven by rising demand for capacity and stricter sustainability requirements. On the HawkTalk podcast, David Sandars, Regional Director EMEA at datacenterhawk, spoke with Mette Berger Gulbrandsen, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Green Mountain, about the company’s journey from Norwegian mountain vaults to a pan-European operator while staying committed to sustainability.Green Mountain’s unique story began in Rennesøy, Norway, where a former NATO ammunition bunker was transformed into a secure and energy-efficient data center. By using the adjacent fjord’s cold waters for cooling and renewable hydropower, the facility became a model of sustainable design. This ingenuity demonstrated that leveraging natural resources isn’t just environmentally beneficial but also operationally efficient. Following the success at Rennesøy, Green Mountain expanded to Rjukan, another remote Norwegian location ideal for secure, sustainable operations. However, the company recognized the need for proximity to economic hubs to meet client requirements for low-latency workloads. This shift led to the opening of a facility near Oslo and marked the start of a strategic “hub and spoke” model.Green Mountain’s growth accelerated after its acquisition by international owners in 2021, boosting resources for expansion. The company struck a major deal with TikTok in 2023 and began international projects, including a London acquisition and a development in Frankfurt. This balanced approach allows Green Mountain to offer clients both cost-effective, sustainable remote storage and urban connectivity.Green Mountain’s upcoming Frankfurt facility showcases how data centers can tackle power and environmental challenges. Partnering with local energy provider KMW, the site will utilize renewable wind and solar power, while replicating Green Mountain’s water-cooling method using river water.The facility will also employ gas turbines for backup power, reducing emissions compared to diesel generators, and feed excess heat into the district heating system, warming 20,000 homes. This innovative partnership not only addresses power constraints but also integrates into the local energy ecosystem to add community value.Green Mountain actively addresses local concerns by showcasing the economic benefits of its projects. Independent studies revealed the construction of its 90 MW site generated $600 million in value and supported 4,700 full-time jobs.In addition to data-driven evidence, the company engages communities through open days, educational programs, and support for local initiatives. This combination of transparency and outreach has helped Green Mountain build trust and secure long-term community support.Green Mountain’s journey from a single mountain facility to a leading European data center operator underscores the maturity of the Nordic market. The company has proven that sustainability is not just a value-add but a necessity for scaling operations. Its innovative use of geographic resources, partnerships with energy providers, and commitment to community engagement set a high standard for the industry.As demand for capacity grows, Green Mountain’s success highlights the importance of creative infrastructure reuse and deep integration with local energy systems, paving the way for a more sustainable future in data center operations.Repurposing History for Modern Data NeedsExpanding with Strategy: Remote vs. Urban HubsFrankfurt: A Blueprint for Energy CollaborationDemonstrating Economic and Social ImpactA Roadmap for Sustainable Growth

In a recent discussion, datacenterHawk's Regional Director for the Americas, Steve Sasse, sat down with Pablo Amarelle, General Manager of Zonasur, to explore the burgeoning data center landscape in Argentina. The conversation provided a detailed analysis of why Argentina, despite being the third-largest economy in Latin America, has lagged in digital infrastructure and how recent shifts are positioning it for significant growth. Amarelle offered an insider's perspective on the unique advantages of the Bahía Blanca region and the strategic role of Zonasur's free trade zone in attracting large-scale investment.Historically, Argentina's digital infrastructure development has been hindered by economic instability, high inflation, and capital controls. Amarelle explained that these factors created uncertainty, which is detrimental to the long-term, capital-intensive nature of data center projects. However, a new political and economic landscape is changing perceptions. With capital controls being lifted and growing geopolitical support, investors are now viewing Argentina as a prime opportunity for growth, ready to address the existing lack of modern infrastructure.A significant portion of the discussion focused on the strategic benefits of developing data centers in Bahía Blanca. Amarelle highlighted two key differentiators: power availability and the free trade zone (FTZ) tax regime. Bahía Blanca is an "exporter node" of electricity, generating over two gigawatts and poised for more with upcoming wind farm projects. This local abundance of power mitigates transmission bottlenecks seen elsewhere. Furthermore, operating within the Zonasur FTZ exempts data centers from a 27% value-added tax on energy and eliminates import duties on equipment, providing immense cost savings and certainty for investors.Addressing another critical infrastructure pillar, Amarelle confirmed that Bahía Blanca is a major connectivity hub. It serves as a node for multiple carriers, with redundant fiber routes connecting to Buenos Aires and the subsea cable landing station in Las Toninas. The latency to Buenos Aires is an impressive 5.5 to 7 milliseconds, making it a viable location for latency-sensitive applications. This combination of robust power, a favorable tax structure, and strong connectivity positions the region as an ideal alternative to congested primary markets, allowing developers to scale efficiently.The dialogue between Sasse and Amarelle painted a compelling picture of a market at a turning point. For data center operators and investors, Argentina represents a market with untapped potential, a highly skilled workforce, and a growing knowledge economy. The strategic groundwork laid by organizations like Zonasur in Bahía Blanca provides a clear, de-risked path for entry, offering the power, connectivity, and financial incentives necessary to support the next wave of digital infrastructure development in Latin America.Overcoming Past InstabilityThe Power and Tax Advantage of Bahía BlancaConnectivity and Strategic Location

Tim Stephenson, Director of Power Generation at Aligned Data Centers, shares insights from his 35 years in the power industry. He discusses a pivotal shift towards onsite, 'behind-the-meter' power solutions for data centers, enabling greater reliability and independence from the grid. Stephenson explains their hybrid approach, utilizing natural gas turbines and batteries to manage volatile computing loads. He predicts a trend where data centers will act as private utilities, adapting to increasing energy demands and challenges with traditional power sources.

Thomas Jam, Founder and CEO of Copenhagen Atomics, shares his vision for revolutionizing energy with thorium molten salt reactors. He emphasizes the need for scalable, cost-effective nuclear solutions to meet the data center industry's demands. The podcast explores ambitious goals, like reducing reactor costs significantly and overcoming regulatory hurdles. Jam discusses a 2027 demonstration in Switzerland and the plans for mass production. He highlights the potential of nuclear power, especially in the U.S. and China, to address energy needs sustainably.

In a recent episode of Hawk Talk, David Sandars, Regional Director for EMEA at datacenterhawk, interviewed Jérôme Totel, Strategy and Innovation Director at Data4. The conversation highlighted Data4’s nearly 20-year journey from its origins in France to becoming a major European data center operator. Totel shared insights on market strategy, campus development, and tackling key challenges like power availability and AI-driven growth.Strategic Growth Across EuropeData4’s growth is marked by balanced expansion into both established and emerging European markets. From its first campus in Paris in 2006, the company has expanded to Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany, and Greece. This strategy blends market analysis with customer feedback, focusing on connectivity and demand. Emerging hubs like Athens and Madrid are becoming vital due to their strategic positions. Athens connects Asia and the Middle East to Europe, while Madrid links Europe to Asia, Africa, and the Americas.Addressing Power and AI ChallengesSecuring power is a universal challenge for data center operators across Europe. Totel emphasized the importance of building where energy is available now to support the market's annual 17% growth driven by AI. Data4 is preparing for AI's demands by engineering facilities to handle high-density workloads, supporting direct liquid cooling (DLC), air cooling, or hybrid methods. Totel explained, "We are building a data center for 20, 30 years," ensuring flexibility to adapt to changing needs and megawatt densities.The Campus-Based ApproachData4’s campus model allows customers to scale within the same location, reducing complexity and costs. This approach not only provides technical advantages but also drives significant local economic and social impact. For example, the Marcoussis campus near Paris attracts around 1,000 people daily, including staff and suppliers, bolstering the regional economy.Through its "Data for Good" program, Data4 engages with local communities by educating over 100 students annually about data centers and the environmental impact of digital technologies. This program helps build awareness and encourages younger generations to consider careers in the industry.Sustainability and the FutureTotel stressed the need for sustainable growth as the European data center industry scales to meet the predicted demand of 30-35 gigawatts by 2030, up from the current 10 gigawatts. Data4 is tackling this challenge through innovative Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), such as its nuclear PPA with EDF in France, securing decarbonized energy to support grid stability. While established FLAP markets remain critical, Data4 is eyeing new zones for "giga-campuses," prioritizing locations with available power, connectivity, and skilled labor.Building Europe’s Digital FutureData4 is balancing strategic growth, future-proofing facilities, and engaging with local communities to meet the evolving demands of the digital infrastructure landscape. By expanding thoughtfully, embracing sustainability, and preparing for next-generation technologies, the company is poised to play a central role in shaping Europe’s digital future.Strategic Growth Across EuropeAddressing Power and AI ChallengesThe Campus-Based ApproachSustainability and the FutureBuilding Europe’s Digital Future

This episode of HawkTalks explores one of the biggest challenges in the data center industry: talent acquisition and leadership development. Moderated by David Sandars, EMEA Regional Director at datacenterHawk, the conversation features industry leaders Joseph Pavitt (NDY), Holly Fenner (GeN+1), and Hayley Godlieb (Equinix), who discuss how GeN+1 is redefining efforts to attract and nurture the next generation of digital infrastructure professionals.As the data center industry grows rapidly alongside digital transformation, the skills gap continues to widen. Joseph Pavitt highlights the urgent need to engage younger professionals, pointing out the aging workforce demographic. GeN+1 tackles this through initiatives that promote inclusivity, raise career awareness, and offer actionable solutions like outreach programs in schools and colleges to inspire future talent.Holly Fenner explains how GeN+1 evolved from informal gatherings to a structured organization focused on inclusivity and young talent. The group’s refreshingly different approach to networking—hosting events with live music and approachable formats—has created an engaging space for emerging professionals to connect and grow their careers.GeN+1 also uses platforms like TikTok and Instagram to connect with Gen Z and millennials. Hayley Godlieb notes that these platforms are more relevant to younger audiences than LinkedIn, sharing relatable content like “Day in the Industry” reels to spark interest and challenge outdated perceptions of the sector.The group’s work extends globally with initiatives like run clubs, wellness events, and technical masterclasses in hubs such as Frankfurt, Dublin, and Milan. Plans for a flagship GeN+1 Conference will further amplify younger voices, with panels led by emerging professionals addressing critical topics like sustainability and innovation.The episode closes with a call to action: solving the talent crisis requires more than talk—it demands active community building, education, and inclusivity. GeN+1’s efforts serve as a blueprint for the industry, demonstrating how bold action can address workforce challenges head-on.Whether you’re a young professional, investor, or industry veteran, this episode offers valuable insights into shaping the future of the data center workforce through collaboration and innovation. Don’t miss it!Addressing the Talent ShortageBuilding a Supportive CommunityReaching the Next GenerationScaling a Global MovementAction-Oriented SolutionsListen Now

In a recent datacenterHawk podcast, David Liggitt sat down with Herson Suindah, President Director & Group CEO of SM+, to explore Indonesia’s rapidly evolving digital infrastructure market. Their discussion highlighted SM+’s vision, the unique opportunities in the region, and the company’s strategic partnerships that are setting a new standard for data center development in Southeast Asia.SM+ was founded with the mission to fill critical infrastructure gaps in Indonesia. Backed by a major Indonesian business group, the company takes a future-focused approach, integrating fiber networks, mobile operations, submarine cables, and data centers into a unified solution.Suindah explained, “If the country isn’t ready, then what do we need to do, and how are we going to do it?” This mindset drives SM+ to develop solutions that anticipate and address Indonesia’s evolving digital needs.With a population of 275 million—many of whom are young and tech-savvy—Indonesia offers massive growth potential. Rather than being limited by outdated systems, the country’s relatively clean slate gives it an advantage: the ability to build modern, efficient infrastructure from the ground up.Indonesia's openness to technology, from BlackBerry in the early days to social platforms like Instagram, shows a strong track record of digital adoption. While the country may not yet lead in tech creation, it excels at commercializing and scaling digital tools—an asset SM+ leverages in its long-term strategy.SM+ prioritizes global partnerships to accelerate knowledge-sharing and innovation. One standout example is their joint venture with Korea’s LG Group to expand regional services.“For us, it’s not about building a franchise but forming true partnerships,” Suindah said. By aligning with global leaders and attracting top-tier talent, SM+ has positioned itself as a trusted local expert and partner for international companies entering Indonesia.SM+ is currently developing an 18MW city-center data center in Jakarta using modular construction, designed for efficiency and scalability. The company overcomes regulatory and timeline challenges by implementing global best practices and innovative technologies.Beyond Indonesia, SM+ has regional ambitions. Suindah believes the country will move from being a technology consumer to becoming a hub for innovation and infrastructure leadership in Southeast Asia.SM+’s success stems from its forward-thinking approach, strong partnerships, and commitment to solving real-world infrastructure challenges. “At the very basic layer of all the things we want to build is the infrastructure,” Suindah noted.For IT professionals, investors, and global operators, the message is clear: Indonesia is an emerging powerhouse in digital infrastructure, and SM+ is leading the way.Stay tuned for more updates on SM+ and their transformative projects across Indonesia.The Vision Behind SM+: Building Indonesia’s Digital BackboneWhy Indonesia is a Market to WatchPartnerships: The Key to GrowthRevolutionizing Indonesia’s Digital InfrastructureA Blueprint for Leadership

The latest episode of the datacenterHawk podcast features Donny Gunadi, Senior Insight Analyst at datacenterHawk, and Hendrikus Gozali, Country Head of STT GDC Indonesia. They discuss Indonesia’s dynamic data center growth, highlighting innovation, scalability, and sustainability as key drivers shaping Southeast Asia’s digital infrastructure market.Indonesia’s Digital LandscapeIndonesia is emerging as a pivotal hub for digital transformation in Southeast Asia. Hendrikus Gozali attributes this to the rise of AI, cloud computing, and growing digital consumption. STT GDC Indonesia, part of a global data center powerhouse, has expanded rapidly by building high-capacity campuses for hyperscale clients, such as its Jakarta campus designed to handle over 200 MW of power. “It’s really Indonesia’s time to shine as a digital infrastructure leader,” Gozali remarked, citing reduced latency and agile solutions for end users.Sustainability and InnovationSustainability is a cornerstone of STT GDC’s strategy, with 75% of its global facilities operating on renewable energy. Gozali emphasized eco-efficient practices and advanced cooling technologies, such as air and liquid cooling systems, to handle the growing demands of AI workloads. Agility, he stressed, is critical in adapting to clients’ needs swiftly, especially as global cooling standards remain in progress.Strategic Advantages in Land and PowerIndonesia’s abundance of land and energy resources gives its data center market a competitive edge. Unlike other regions facing power shortages, Indonesia has surplus energy and significant land banking, enabling STT GDC to deploy large-scale facilities quickly. Gozali noted that 100 MW facilities can be deployed in just a year by leveraging pre-secured infrastructure and robust supply chain partnerships.Thriving in a Market of “Surprises”Indonesia’s data center market is defined by unpredictable demand, with hyperscale client requests often arising at short notice. STT GDC addresses this by proactively building facilities and maintaining operational flexibility. “We build first because we know they’ll come,” Gozali explained, emphasizing forward-planning and adaptability.Bright Future for Indonesia’s Data CentersGozali envisions significant potential for Indonesia’s data center industry, driven by its growing digital economy, supportive government policies, and AI adoption. STT GDC is also committed to fostering local talent and community development, creating jobs and supporting long-term digital transformation.Final TakeawaysIndonesia’s data center market offers immense opportunities, with unique advantages in sustainability, scalability, and proactive strategies. As the region evolves, it’s poised to become a leading player in global digital infrastructure, shaping the future of connectivity and transformation in Southeast Asia.