As the demand for digital infrastructure has continued to increase, the FLAPD markets (Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin) have long been at the heart of EMEA’s data center landscape. Thanks to their high connectivity, mature markets, and well-established ecosystems, these cities are known as the go-to hubs for many global companies looking for reliable, high-capacity data center solutions.

However, as these markets approach capacity, the industry has started to ask what’s next. What happens when the traditional powerhouses can no longer expand? With the growth in data consumption, cloud services, and digital transformation showing no sign of slowing, it’s time for new markets to take center stage. Across the industry, the focus is shifting toward emerging Tier 2 and 3 markets across the EMEA region. Could this signal the beginning of a new era for our industry?

Where to next in Europe?

So, where are these new Tier 2 and 3 markets that everyone is so excited about? We’re starting to see activity across Europe, with the Nordics, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Poland, Austria, France, and Scotland all quickly gaining momentum, especially in areas like AI and cloud services.

The Nordics stand out because of their favorable environmental conditions, which offer the cooling and power needed for energy-intensive AI operations.

As FLAPD hubs become increasingly congested, these emerging markets are not just alternatives but are carving the way for evolving demands in the digital landscape. For example, AI-ready facilities, sustainable data center setups, and green corridors are becoming key features in these regions.

New developers in the Nordics, like Polar, but also existing operators like Green Mountain and atNorth, are rapidly deploying high-density solutions alongside their traditional offerings. All using the available sustainable power solutions available in the region.

The growth of new markets like the Nordics is truly exciting, with the potential to create a more diversified data center landscape across EMEA, even though a truly balanced landscape is not in reach yet. With the growing limitations in FLAPD and the need to spread out to other densely populated areas, both colo and hyperscale developers are now looking to these new markets, which can offer wider capabilities and a broader range of digital solutions at a faster pace.

Investment in the Middle East and Africa

And it’s not just Europe that’s seeing a shift. The increased investment in the Middle East and Africa is having a profound impact on the overall data center market. Just a decade ago, these regions had little-to-no digital infrastructure, but now we're witnessing a surge in small to midsize projects across Africa, and large to mega developments in the Middle East.

As with any new region, these new projects have plenty of challenges to overcome. But despite everything from supply chain issues and connectivity limitations to intense climates and safety concerns, these markets are rapidly gaining momentum. It won’t be long before they catch up with the more developed digital economies of Europe.

In the Middle East, local investors are driving growth. But even huge capital investments can’t immediately fix the shortage of skilled data center professionals in the region and the relative immaturity of the local supply chain.

Meanwhile, Africa is relying more on external investors to fuel its digital transformation. Despite the hurdles, the pace of development in both regions is accelerating fast, making them increasingly significant players in the data center landscape.

Infrastructure development and regional implications

Of course, the infrastructure needs of emerging markets differ significantly from those of the well-established FLAPD markets. While FLAPD has the luxury of connectivity, mature supply chains, and well-developed safety standards, emerging markets face unique challenges in these areas as they build their digital infrastructure from the ground up.

Renewable energy and sustainability also play pivotal roles in shaping these new markets. The Nordics, for example, are leading the charge in AI initiatives, thanks to their abundant green energy and favorable climate, which help mitigate environmental impacts.

For other digital solutions, the focus on sustainability is driven by a combination of legislation and corporate goals.

In Europe, the push towards net-zero emissions by 2030, supported by initiatives like the European Energy Infrastructure Directive (EEID), is a key factor influencing data center development.

The industry as a whole is setting a strong example, with many data center developers embracing these optimistic targets. Take a look for example at the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact, where most influential data center developers and operators have committed to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.

The shift towards greener, more sustainable infrastructure is not just a trend – it's becoming a standard that sets these regions apart and positions them for future growth.

Shaping the future

Looking ahead, we will undoubtedly see significant shifts in the EMEA data center market over the next five to ten years. Whilst the FLAPD markets will continue to play a crucial role, it's clear that momentum is building across EMEA – from the sustainable promise of emerging European markets, to the investment and large-scale developments that are rapidly transforming the Middle East into a formidable data center hub. Africa too is on the rise, with increasing investment and infrastructure development positioning it as a future powerhouse.

As these regions gain stature, the EMEA data center landscape will become more diverse and dynamic, and better able to serve the evolving needs of the global digital infrastructure.

The explosion in data use is great news for the industry. But the sector must adapt fast as demand for space continues to ramp up in the face of constraints on power, land, skills, straining global supply chains, and constant technological change.

As the world hurtles towards a digital future and grapples with the urgent shift to renewable energy sources, data centers are not passive observers but integral drivers of change.

The industry has a pivotal role to play, not only in responding to economic challenges, but creating the solution. As a microcosm of the wider construction industry, data center leaders have a role in shaping the global landscape – a driver of innovation, and a catalyst for transformative solutions.

Click here to read more about the trends shaping the industry in Soben’s mid-year report and don’t miss Pieter talking more about the potential of Tier 2 and 3 markets at DCD Connect London on 17 September.