JLL

JLL observes an unprecedented surge in data center demand, with absorption doubling year-over-year to a record 25GW in the first half of 2026. This growth significantly outpaces earlier forecasts, reinforcing the expectation of a substantial infrastructure supercycle driven by AI and cloud expansion. While global capacity is projected to double by 2030, this optimistic outlook is increasingly challenged by persistent global energy constraints and power scarcity, creating a complex operational environment.

The firm's analysis highlights a critical gap, with less than ten percent of existing US data centers deemed AI-ready, posing a significant obstacle for enterprises amid tightening capital markets. Despite these hurdles, sustained hyperscale and AI demand continues to drive record-low vacancy rates. This dynamic is compelling new development into emerging geographic markets, signaling a significant rebalancing of data center locations worldwide as companies seek suitable power and infrastructure.

JLL's current activities reflect a pivot from macro analysis to direct client engagement, addressing the immediate challenges of unprecedented demand and power availability. The firm is actively guiding clients through this boom, with a keen focus on how regional power dynamics are reshaping the global data center market hierarchy. This hands-on approach underscores the evolving operational landscape and the critical need for strategic deployment in an era of intense demand and limited resources.

Last updated August 16, 2026