Barely any EU data centers are actually ready for AI - and upgrading could be a costly challenge (www.techradar.com)

A recent report highlights a significant shortfall in the readiness of European data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, revealing that only 20% are currently equipped to handle high-density GPU racks necessary for AI applications. While projections suggest that readiness could rise to 70% by 2030, demand is expected to surpass supply within the next year, driven largely by the needs of AI. Existing data centers, primarily designed for traditional cloud workloads, face limitations due to inadequate power density and cooling systems that cannot manage the substantial heat generated by AI technologies. Key challenges hindering the evolution of data centers include land shortages, grid connection delays, and a lack of skilled labor, with 86% of industry experts indicating that supply chain issues have become a permanent concern. This development underscores the critical need for substantial upgrades to existing infrastructures and a shift toward regions like the Nordics and the Middle East, which offer better conditions for data center operations. Additionally, the report signals a growing emphasis on sustainability, with projections that 90% of data center energy may come from renewable sources by 2035, making power availability a central criterion in site selection.