Power availability cited as major barrier in survey of data centre sector
More than four-in-five data centre industry experts do not believe supply chains are equipped to deliver on current demand, according to Turner & Townsend.
The consultant’s latest data centre construction cost index pointed to 2025 as an inflection point, with the sector shifted from traditional cloud-based, air-cooled data centres to high-density, liquid-cooled facilities to support AI workloads.
Its survey found that 83% of experts believe the supply chain is not well equipped to deliver the advanced cooling technology required for these high-density schemes.
The index found that global construction cost inflation for traditional data centres stood at 5.5% for 2025. However it also identified a 7%-10% construction cost premium between traditional and AI data centres in the US.
>> Also read: Data centres and energy demands – how do we square the circle?
>> Amazon submits plans for 330,000sq ft data centre in Buckinghamshire
Paul Barry, data centres sector lead for North America at T&T, said the report highlighted challenges that must be addressed “to avoid putting a brake on investment and the benefits of AI transformation”.
“Power availability remains a critical barrier, with long-lead times for grid connection the main constraint,” he added.
“There is also stronger competition than ever before for power due to both increased business and consumer demand placing added pressure on grids.”
Power availability was cited by 48% of survey respondents as the most prominent obstacle to delivering projects on schedule.
No comments yet