Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Warsaw’s data centre market continues to attract development interest, although the pace of construction remains limited compared with the volume of projects being prepared. According to research by Cushman & Wakefield, the Polish capital had 159 MW of operational data centre capacity at the end of the second quarter of 2026, with another 156 MW at the planning stage. Despite this potential expansion, only 5 MW of additional capacity was under construction, highlighting the difference between proposed investments and projects progressing towards completion.
At the end of June 2026, Warsaw had 28 operational data centres managed by 17 operators. Existing capacity increased by approximately 2 MW compared with the same period in 2025, while the volume of capacity under construction declined from 11 MW to 5 MW over the same period. Beyond the 156 MW of planned developments, another 68 MW of potential capacity has been identified at earlier stages of preparation. Operational facilities, construction projects and the established planning pipeline together represent approximately 320 MW, although the eventual delivery of proposed investments remains dependent on technical, financial and regulatory considerations.
One of the principal obstacles facing developers is securing sufficient electricity capacity to support new facilities. Data centres require substantial and continuous power supplies for computing equipment, cooling systems and supporting infrastructure, making reliable grid connections essential to project feasibility. Developers must consider not only the availability of suitable land but also the cost of electricity connections, network capacity and the time required to complete necessary infrastructure improvements. These factors can influence investment decisions and delay construction even when projects have secured development sites and attracted investor interest.
Warsaw remains Poland’s principal location for digital infrastructure, supported by its concentration of international businesses, financial institutions, telecommunications networks and technology companies. Demand for computing and data storage facilities is being influenced by the expansion of cloud services, artificial intelligence and increasingly sophisticated corporate IT systems. However, these technologies are also changing the technical requirements of data centres. Advanced computing applications can require considerably greater electricity consumption and cooling capacity than traditional installations, encouraging operators to reconsider building specifications and long-term expansion strategies.
The structure of Warsaw’s existing market provides additional context for assessing future demand. Colocation facilities, which accommodate computing infrastructure belonging to multiple customers, account for approximately 84% of operational capacity. Cushman & Wakefield reported a vacancy rate of 11.49% within this segment at the end of the second quarter of 2026. This suggests that some capacity remains available within existing facilities, although available space does not necessarily mean that operators can accommodate every customer requirement. Electricity allocation, technical specifications, connectivity and equipment density can determine whether a particular facility is suitable for prospective occupiers.
For commercial property investors, data centres represent an increasingly specialised segment requiring substantial capital expenditure and technical expertise. Unlike conventional industrial or logistics buildings, these facilities depend on extensive electrical infrastructure, advanced cooling systems, security measures and operational resilience. The availability of electricity is becoming particularly important when evaluating potential development locations, while sites capable of supporting future expansion may offer advantages over properties requiring significant network upgrades. The large volume of planned capacity indicates continued investor interest, but the limited construction pipeline demonstrates that development intentions do not automatically translate into completed infrastructure.
The challenges associated with expanding capacity in Warsaw could also encourage developers to consider opportunities elsewhere in Poland. Regional cities may offer suitable conditions for certain types of digital infrastructure, particularly where electricity connections, land availability and development costs are more favourable. However, alternative locations must also provide reliable telecommunications connectivity and meet the operational requirements of prospective customers. The geographical distribution of future investment will therefore depend on a combination of infrastructure availability, commercial considerations and the evolving needs of technology companies.
Warsaw’s data centre market presents a combination of established operational infrastructure, substantial development ambitions and relatively modest construction activity. With 159 MW already operational, 156 MW in planning and another 68 MW at preliminary stages, the potential for expansion is considerable. Nevertheless, the reduction in capacity under construction from 11 MW to 5 MW illustrates the importance of understanding how quickly proposed projects can progress towards delivery. For investors, developers and operators, the ability to secure electricity connections, manage construction costs and meet increasingly demanding technical requirements will be central to determining the market’s future growth.
