Overview blurb

AI is transforming industries and fuelling unprecedented demand for data centres. But with higher power densities, soaring water use, and sustainability pressures, the question is whether AI is a catalyst for progress or a strain on resources. This report explores both sides: the opportunities in AI-driven efficiency and growth, and the risks of energy, water, and skills bottlenecks that could reshape the sector.

5 main takeaways

• AI demand explodes. 87% of respondents expect rising demand directly linked to AI in the next year; integrators and cloud providers report near-universal growth.
• Power crunch. Almost half foresee significant consumption rises, with AI workloads projected to nearly double global data centre electricity demand by 2026.
• Water in focus. 79% expect higher water usage over the next three years, with more than half anticipating a significant increase.
• AI for efficiency. 90% believe AI will make data centre operations more efficient; 82% expect substantial cost savings from predictive analytics and smarter cooling.
• Location shift ahead. 70% see demand moving toward peripheral sites with abundant renewable power and free cooling, as core hubs face planning and grid constraints.

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