AI is driving the capacity of hyperscale data centers to unprecedented levels, with new facilities expected to nearly double the average capacity of those currently operational.
According to Synergy Research Group, the rapid adoption of generative AI technology, known for its energy-intensive nature, has amplified a long-standing trend of increasing critical IT load in hyperscale data centers.
This surge in capacity demand aligns with the continued steady growth in the number of operational hyperscale facilities worldwide, complemented by retrofitting existing centers to enhance their performance. As a result, the total capacity of all operational hyperscale data centers is forecasted to triple by 2030.
The analysis from Synergy Research Group highlights the operations and expansion plans of 19 leading hyperscale operators across diverse sectors, including cloud, social networking, e-commerce, and gaming.
By late 2024, these companies collectively operated 1,103 major data centers globally, with a pipeline of 497 additional facilities contributing to the projection. This expansion is heavily influenced by the shift towards GPU-driven infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in supporting AI workloads.
While the landscape varies by region, ownership model, and the mix of old and new facilities, the overarching trend reflects a profound transformation in the hyperscale ecosystem, fueled by AI-driven innovations.
“The number of operational hyperscale data centers continues to grow inexorably, having doubled over the past five years,” said John Dinsdale, a Chief Analyst at Synergy Research Group.
Rajani Baburajan
