Foreword

Time to embrace innovation, collaboration and resilience

The data centre industry in Europe is thriving. Demand is growing faster than many of us expected, thanks to advancements in AI, IoT and machine learning. An influx of private equity is supercharging the scale, pace and ambition of data centre development.

This creates both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Our latest annual Data Centre Trends Report, based on insights from 535 executives across operators and contractors in the UK and Europe, confirms that data centre construction in Europe is exploding. But it also shows that the supply chain is under severe strain.

While fewer operators and contractors believe the risk of supply chain disruption is growing than last year, prices are still climbing. And 70% of our survey respondents believe that the supply chain is struggling to meet demand.

Ramping up construction despite these constraints, while keeping projects on time and within budget, requires a strategic and forward-thinking approach. Innovation, collaboration and resilience will be key.

This report underscores that while the sector is growing at an extraordinary pace, it is also at an inflection point. Data centre operators and contractors must embrace new strategies—from diversifying supply chains to leveraging technology for improved asset tracking and risk management—to stay ahead. Integrating information and data throughout the lifecycle of projects; mapping your supply chain to assess the risks; selecting flexible equipment that accommodates changing designs – all these can help operators and their contractors build a resilient pipeline of data centre projects.

By working together, we can overcome supply chain constraints, unlock new opportunities, and shape a more resilient, innovative and sustainable future.

Encouragingly, we are seeing bold moves in the industry. The shift toward liquid cooling, the increasing adoption of alternative energy solutions, and new approaches to risk-sharing demonstrate the agility and adaptability of our sector. But there is still work to be done. The need for proactive planning, supplier engagement, and investment in scalable, sustainable infrastructure has never been more urgent.

By working together, we can overcome supply chain constraints, unlock new opportunities, and shape a more resilient, innovative and sustainable future for data centres across Europe.

While there are challenges, the industry's focus on managing risks and pressures ensures that clients and suppliers can adapt and thrive, ultimately providing better services and experiences for consumers.

We hope this report provides valuable insights and guidance as we collectively rise to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. The future of data centres is being built now – and at RLB, we are proud to be at the forefront of making it happen.