Sunday, 16 March 2025
Poland’s rapidly growing data centre industry faces a transformative year ahead, driven by surging energy demands, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), and a heightened focus on sustainability. According to experts from Data4, a leading operator in the sector, 2025 will bring both opportunities and challenges as the industry adapts to evolving technological and environmental demands.
The rise of generative AI tools is pushing the limits of computing power, leading to unprecedented energy demands. Data4 predicts the Polish data centre market, valued at PLN 6 billion by 2028, will need to balance technological advancements with sustainable operations.
“As AI applications grow, so does energy consumption, with some innovations using up to ten times the power of traditional services like search engines,” said Adam Ponichtera, Director of Data4’s Polish operations. “The challenge is to support this growth while reducing environmental impact and collaborating with local communities.”
Emerging Trends in Poland’s Data Centre Landscape
Data4 experts have identified several key trends that will shape the industry in 2025:
1. Large-Scale Campuses: Developers are expected to build mega campuses, often near renewable energy sources, to process vast data volumes for AI and real-time analytics. These facilities, boasting capacities of up to 1 GW, are designed to meet growing demand while minimizing carbon footprints.
2. Advanced Cooling Systems: Cooling remains critical, with direct liquid cooling (DLC) technology gaining traction as a solution for energy efficiency and thermal management.
3. Energy Autonomy: Operators are exploring self-sufficient energy strategies, including small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and high-capacity batteries, to enhance energy resilience and sustainability.
4. Heat Reuse Innovations: Waste heat recovery is evolving, with projects like Data4’s bio-circular data centre in Marcoussis, France, which repurposes heat to grow algae for industrial products.
5. Digital Twins: Virtual simulations are optimizing energy use in data centres, enhancing the performance of cooling and power systems while reducing consumption.
6. Sustainable Construction: Lifecycle analysis and low-carbon materials, such as BREEAM-certified concrete, are becoming standard practices in new data centre developments.
As data centres become more prominent in Poland’s urban landscapes, operators are emphasizing transparency and local engagement. Warsaw, a strategic hub for connections between Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Scandinavia, hosts nearly 60% of Poland’s data centre business.
“Data centres are essential for a digital economy, yet their operations remain unfamiliar to many citizens,” Ponichtera noted. “This is an opportunity to foster partnerships, create jobs, and promote public understanding of their role.”
Poland’s data centre expansion depends on a skilled workforce. Attracting and retaining talent from diverse sectors remains a priority for operators in 2025. As the industry matures, companies must invest in training and development to ensure sustainable growth.
Poland’s data centre industry is poised for significant evolution in 2025, balancing rapid technological growth with sustainability and community engagement. By embracing innovative practices and fostering collaboration, the sector is set to meet the demands of a digital-first economy while minimizing its environmental impact.
