Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield has released its latest “EMEA Data Centre Update” report, summarizing the first half of 2025 in the region’s data centre market. The report shows that total operational capacity grew 21% year-on-year to 10.3 gigawatts (GW). Currently, 2.6 GW is under construction, with a further 11.5 GW in the planning stage. This brings the total pipeline to 24.4 GW—up 43% from last year. Meanwhile, the Warsaw data centre market is projected to triple in size over the next five years.
The report also includes Cushman & Wakefield’s latest EMEA Data Centre Maturity Index, which ranks 31 markets across 15 parameters such as capacity, hyperscaler presence, and existing operational power. The index divides markets into four categories: dominant, established, developing, and emerging. This segmentation helps assess growth potential and allows investors and developers to identify strategic opportunities across the region.
FLAPD+ Continues to Lead, But Growth Broadens Across the Region
The study highlights the continued dominance of the FLAPD markets—Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin—now joined by Milan. These six hubs account for over 45% of operational capacity and nearly half of the planned pipeline in the EMEA region. London remains the largest market, with 1,189 megawatts (MW) of operational capacity and projects underway totaling 1,678 MW.
“We are now seeing more balanced growth across the region. The FLAPD markets still play a critical role, but opportunities are emerging in smaller cities and more remote campuses offering scalability, sustainability potential, and strategic connectivity. This trend is accelerating due to the rise of AI and the growing demand for computing power. Investors are responding with bold, forward-looking strategies,” said Andrew Fray, President, EMEA Data Centres, Cushman & Wakefield.
Emerging Players: Warsaw Among Developing Markets
According to the report, Lisbon advanced into the “established” category in early 2025, driven by the launch of the 1.2 GW Start Campus project. Stockholm also moved up to “established,” while Lagos and Athens were newly listed as “developing.” For the first time, Groningen/Eemshaven appeared in the rankings as a developing market.
Developing markets are defined as those with between 150 MW and 300 MW of combined operational and committed capacity. This group currently includes Groningen/Eemshaven, Zurich, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Copenhagen, Lagos, and Athens. Together, they represent 6.7% of EMEA’s operational capacity (693 MW), with a total pipeline of 815 MW.
Warsaw is steadily strengthening its role as Poland’s key digital infrastructure hub. The city currently has 147 MW of operational capacity and a 109 MW pipeline. Forecasts suggest Poland’s data centre market will triple by 2030, surpassing 500 MW—much of it driven by AI-related services.
“Warsaw benefits from a supportive regulatory environment, strong demand from large enterprises, and relatively low planning restrictions, making it a preferred location for both hyperscale and colocation providers,” commented Kamil Żach, Account Executive, Poland Data Centre Advisory Team, Cushman & Wakefield.
New investments are increasingly focused in suburban zones such as Duchnice and Ursus, where land availability and flexible zoning regulations support the development of large campuses. Warsaw’s position is also reinforced by the government’s plan to establish a National Data Processing Centre. However, energy security and sustainability remain key challenges—not only in Poland but across the broader EMEA data centre landscape.
Sustainability and Security Remain at the Forefront
Sustainability and security concerns continue to shape the market. Operators face complex planning regulations, limited land and power supply, and stricter environmental standards. These factors are driving up costs and extending delivery timelines.
“Despite these challenges, investor confidence remains high, as evidenced by strong capital inflows into both emerging and established markets,” said Laura Shepherd, EMEA Data Centre Advisory, Cushman & Wakefield.
Source: CEO.com.pl
