AI growth spurs HK data centres demand surge

Global data creation is expected to double in the next five years.

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving an unprecedented surge in demand for data centres in Hong Kong.

According to JLL's Data Centres 2024 Global Outlook, global data creation is expected to double in the next five years compared to the past decade.

The growth of data centre storage capacity is anticipated to increase from 10.1 zettabytes (ZB) in 2023 to 21 ZB in 2027, representing a five-year compound annual growth rate of 18.5%. 

The data also revealed specialized AI-focused data centres require customized designs and power allocations to accommodate AI processing demands. Moreover, liquid cooling technologies are increasingly favored to manage heat generation, offering up to 90% energy savings compared to traditional air-based cooling methods.

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Data centre operators are also exploring alternative power-sourcing strategies such as small modular reactors, hydrogen fuel cells, and natural gas. Additionally, Hong Kong's robust infrastructure and supportive government policies make it an attractive destination for data centre investments.

"As the data centre industry grapples with power challenges and the urgent need for sustainable energy, strategic site selection becomes paramount in ensuring operational scalability and meeting environmental goals," said Jonathan Kinsey, lead and global chair of EMEA Data Centre Solutions at JLL.