Data compiled by the Data-Center Dynamics Industry Census 2011 has highlighted the UK as having one of the leading data centre markets in the world.
“We believe the numbers released today well reflect the UKs position as a leading global data centre market, and look forward to refining the model and using it in other markets,” said Andrew Jay, Head of Data Centres EMEA.
Data centres are cropping up all over the world and the survey found that 7.6 million square metres now exist throughout the world.
The Data Center Development Index (DCDI) ranks markets according to their state of development. It does this through taking into account, size of the economy, number of data centres and influence of technology, power consumption and human resource. This index has ranked the UK just behind the west coast of the US, highlighting a strong global market position.
Studies have revealed that British data centres consume 6.4 GW of power every year. This is enough to facilitate 6 million homes. Furthermore power output is set to increase by 6.7% in the next year. However this is far behind the expected global increase, set to rise by 19%. These figures represent the hugely growing efficiency of data centre operations in the UK.
Investment in data centre operations is also set to increase. The next year will see a growth of £2.15 billion. This will allow construction of more data centres in addition to existing facilities being upgraded.
Growth is set to be most significant in the SE of England, rising by 68%. With Scotland, the NW of England and the Midlands also seeing substantial growth.
“When you look at the size of the operations of just a handful of organisations, you quickly get a sense of the market’s scale,” stated George Rockett, co-founder of Data-Center Dynamics.
