The Global Data Centre Construction Boom: What’s Driving Growth in 2026?

A New Era of Infrastructure Investment

Data centres have become essential infrastructure supporting businesses, financial services, communications and emerging technologies. As demand for computing capacity increases, investment in new facilities is accelerating.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centres consumed approximately 415 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024, representing around 1.5% of global electricity consumption. Under its base-case scenario, the IEA forecasts this could increase to approximately 945 TWh by 2030^[1].

Investment projections are equally significant. Research published by McKinsey & Company estimates that approximately $6.7 trillion in global data centre capital expenditure could be required by 2030, including $5.2 trillion associated with AI-related infrastructure^[2]. These projections underline the scale of opportunity emerging across the construction and engineering sectors.

Hyperscale Development Is Accelerating

Major technology companies continue investing in large-scale data centre infrastructure to support expanding digital services and artificial intelligence. According to Synergy Research Group, the number of operational hyperscale data centres worldwide reached 1,297 by the third quarter of 2025^[3].

As hyperscale campuses expand, their technical requirements are becoming increasingly demanding. Modern facilities require resilient electrical distribution, advanced cooling technologies, sophisticated mechanical systems and extensive testing and commissioning.

For construction organisations, this creates opportunities across the entire project lifecycle, from initial design and planning through to construction, commissioning and operational handover.

Specialist Talent Is Becoming a Critical Resource

While investment continues to expand, the availability of experienced construction professionals presents a significant challenge. Empire Partnership’s 2026 Data Centre Construction Market Report identifies particularly strong demand across project leadership, construction management, MEP engineering, design management and commissioning^[4].

These disciplines require specialist knowledge that cannot always be transferred directly from conventional commercial construction. Professionals with proven mission-critical experience are therefore becoming increasingly valuable as employers compete to deliver technically complex projects.

The expansion of development into emerging international markets is also creating greater opportunities for experienced professionals willing to work across borders.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

For developers, contractors and engineering consultancies, access to specialist talent is becoming an increasingly important part of project planning.

Organisations that anticipate workforce requirements, engage experienced professionals early and develop long-term recruitment strategies will be better positioned to support future growth. As investment in digital infrastructure continues, successful project delivery will depend not only on capital and technology, but also on the people responsible for bringing these facilities into operation.

Sources and References

1. International Energy Agency (2025), Energy and AI. Electricity consumption figures for 2024 and the 2030 base-case forecast. https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai/energy-demand-from-ai
2. McKinsey & Company (2025), The Cost of Compute: A $7 Trillion Race to Scale Data Centers. Global investment projections to 2030. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/the-cost-of-compute-a-7-trillion-dollar-race-to-scale-data-centers
3. Synergy Research Group (2025), Hyperscale Spending Spree Is Driving Dramatic Growth in Data Center Capacity. Global hyperscale facility figures. https://www.srgresearch.com/articles/hyperscale-spending-spree-is-driving-dramatic-growth-in-data-center-capacity
4. Empire Partnership Research (2026), Data Centre Construction Market Report, pages 4–5. Recruitment demand, market commentary and sector analysis.

Investment and electricity projections represent published forecasts rather than guaranteed outcomes. Recruitment commentary reflects Empire Partnership’s market research and analysis.