Apac data centre capacity to double by 2030, AI boom creating ‘generational shift’ in power demand: JLL
The AI and information center growth has resulted in a “generational shift in energy need”, claimed Steven Jack, the company’s head of energy and infrastructure for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, in a Sept 8 release. “Utilities that were predicting modest growth are now grappling with figures almost double their previous quotes.”
At the same time, grid access difficulties are motivating sector players to become direct players in the power market, with some technology firms choosing to straight up purchase operating renewable assets to ensure electrical power supply, according to JLL.
Amidst a decentralised influx of brand-new renewable energy sources, presenting transmission facilities– originally made for big, centralised power plant– has struggled to deal, causing considerable grid congestion around the world.
Data facility capability in Asia Pacific (Apac) is projected to nearly double by 2020, as AI-fuelled growth reverses a decades-long trend of stable or declining electricity demand, according to research by JLL.
Subsequently, grid access is increasingly driving decision-making for developers, data centre operators, energy firms, and tech firms. “For any kind of energy developer, without having a grid connection, you do not have a project,” Jack revealed. “For financiers, this grid blockage converts straight right into risk, yet it additionally develops a shortage costs for possessions that give or obtain grid connectivity.”
That change has emphatically improved the data centre landscape, with grid infrastructure now emerging as the primary restraint. “Power need is increasing quicker than grids were built to handle,” commented Matt Eastwick, JLL’s US group head and senior handling director for energy and infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, hyperscalers have disclosed US$ 200 billion ($ 253 billion) in infrastructure costs for 2026, up 51% from 2025. However, regardless of the document capital investment, interconnection lines for brand-new eco-friendly projects now include four years or more in some regions, with particular areas required to pause new connections totally, according to JLL.
While data center build-out still exceeds grid preparation in numerous Apac markets, Cameron expects local characteristics and grid access challenges to drive brand-new collaboration models. “Whilst the solution will differ depending on scenarios, it is clear we are going to see much more partnership chances and innovative solutions between data centre and power customers throughout the region.”
All the same, securing power supply is currently leading of mind for information center investors in Apac, said James Cameron, JLL’s head of energy and framework for the region. “In liberalised industry in Apac, including Australia, India, Japan and the Philippines, position and area of grid connection is the initial concern for financiers and has the largest assessment effect for development assets.”
The restraints are creating new possibilities in similar markets. One such chance hinges on battery energy storage systems (BESS), that JLL posits will certainly play an increasingly important function in handling limited grid access and renewable energy intermittency. “They serve as shock shields for constricted grids, charging when power is low-priced and plenty, after that discharging when demand and price are high,” claimed Eastwick.
Data put together by the realty consultancy shows that Apac information centre capacity will hop from 32 gigawatts (GW) to 57 GW by 2030. Globally, data center capacity is assumed to hit 200GW by then, driven largely by hyperscale cloud development and AI demand.
