According to the International Energy Agency, data centres consume between 2% and 3% of electricity worldwide and are multiplying in every region. This booming growth poses a number of technical, technological, regulatory and security challenges.
The number of data centres worldwide is constantly increasing, and this momentum is set to continue with the rapid growth occurring in cloud computing, AI applications and digital transformation (see box). The data centre market is expected to increase from US$125 billion in value in 2024 to almost three times that by 2034. Such massive growth demands that we address a number of issues, from the technical (cooling) and technological (ICT infrastructure) to the regulatory and security-related.
Traditional air-cooling methods, for example, are not powerful enough to cope with increasing server density and heat generation. “As a result, more efficient solutions such as liquid cooling and immersion cooling are gaining ground,” explains David Preinl, Cyber Analytics & Defense Business Unit Director at Fernao Magellan, a VINCI Energies business unit specialising in cybersecurity services. “These methods can reduce energy consumption and improve cooling efficiency, especially in high-performance computing environments.”
Data centres also need to embrace advanced technologies such as AI and high-performance computing. “This requires scalable ICT infrastructure capable of managing high data throughput with low latency. Modular designs and hybrid cloud architectures are becoming essential for future-proof installations,” says David Preinl.
Additionally, compliance with local regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe and the HIPAA in the United States, is essential to guaranteeing data security and confidentiality. Environmental regulations are also becoming increasingly stringent, pushing data centres to embrace renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency.
“The data centre cybersecurity landscape has evolved considerably over the past decade”
In terms of security constraints, with threats on the rise, robust security measures are equally essential. David Preinl continues: “We’re talking about physical security systems like biometric access control, and advanced digital protective measures such as encryption and real-time threat-detection systems.”
Innovative solutions ahead
Is such a restrictive environment, any new data centre construction demands innovative solutions, beginning with the site itself. “Modern data centres are often based on modular construction techniques,” adds David Preinl. “These both facilitate scalability and reduce construction times, and prefabricated modules can be assembled on site.”
In terms of energy savings, data centres are increasingly powered using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar, to reduce their carbon footprint. AI-controlled energy management systems are also being used to optimise efficiency in energy systems.
Cybersecurity: a distinct challenge
And so to cybersecurity – one of the most critical challenges currently facing data centres. As they become increasingly interconnected and dependent on both IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology), data centres are exposed to a wide range of threats, which can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data and cause significant financial damage.
“The data centre cybersecurity landscape has evolved considerably over the past decade,” says David Preinl. “Previously, the emphasis was primarily on physical security. Current threats are far more complex and sophisticated. Attackers now target not just the data stored in the facility but also the underlying infrastructure that makes the installation work.”
Data centres also rely heavily on OT components such as building management systems to maintain optimal operating conditions. Historically, these systems were designed with the emphasis on performance rather than security, and are increasingly becoming the targets of cyber attacks.
“For example, attackers may try to disrupt cooling systems, causing servers to overheat, which can lead to failures,” explains David Preinl. “To counteract these threats, data centres need to implement advanced intrusion detection systems, and segmentation strategies to isolate different parts of the network from one another.”
Informed construction and anticipating upgrades
But the Fernao Magellan Cyber Analytics & Defense Business Unit Director insists that above all, it is essential to consider the design of a data centre over its entire operational life, including any changes required, through to its ultimate deconstruction. Site selection is key. “The ideal locations for data centres depend on various factors, including the availability of energy, climate conditions, connectivity infrastructure and tax incentives,” says David Preinl. “We must also anticipate potential modular upgrades to integrate new technologies such as AI or quantum computing, and consider sustainability measures for when the installations are ultimately dismantled or redeployed, in order to minimise the environmental impact.”
11/14/2025
