A recent study commissioned by Lenovo and conducted with Opinium reveals that traditional data centre designs are increasingly inadequate to meet the evolving demands of businesses across EMEA. Key challenges include supporting AI workloads efficiently, achieving sustainability goals, and complying with data sovereignty regulations — all while managing rising energy consumption and costs.
Although 92% of IT decision-makers prioritise partners who reduce energy use and emissions, only 46% believe their current infrastructure supports these sustainability targets. Conventional cooling methods like air cooling are struggling to balance efficiency, cost, and environmental impact amid exponential data growth.
An overwhelming 99% of decision-makers say data sovereignty will be critical in the coming years, driven by regional regulations and increasing concerns over data control. Nearly 88% already see it as a priority, with 94% emphasising low latency as essential for real-time applications and edge computing.
90% of organisations expect AI to significantly boost data usage over the next decade, and 62% see AI and automation as transformative for IT strategy. However, 41% admit they are unprepared to deploy AI efficiently, highlighting a gap between ambition and readiness.
Collaborating with architects Mamou-Mani and engineering firm AKT II, Lenovo envisions futuristic data centres that leverage innovative concepts like:
- The floating cloud: An airborne data centre suspended 20-30 km above ground, powered entirely by solar energy and cooled via pressurised liquid systems, minimising pollution and land use.
- The data village: Modular, eco-friendly centres near water sources, capable of transferring waste heat to local utilities, reducing latency and environmental impact, and seamlessly integrating into natural landscapes like geothermal pools.
- The data centre bunker: Underground facilities utilising disused tunnels and bunkers to optimise space, enhance security, and naturally manage heat through subterranean environments.
All concepts emphasise liquid cooling technology, which significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional air cooling — an essential factor for future sustainability.
Simone Larsson, Head of Enterprise AI at Lenovo, emphasises that the future data centre will be defined by its ability to scale for AI, meet sustainability goals, and operate efficiently. James Cheung of Mamou-Mani highlights the importance of reimagining data centre architecture by integrating natural resources and existing spaces, moving beyond just size to smarter, more sustainable designs.
