Operational data centre capacity across EMEA exceeded 12.1GW in H1 2026, up more than 36% from 8.9GW in Q2 2024, according to new research from Cushman & Wakefield.
The region currently has 3.8GW under construction and 14.5GW in planning, creating a committed pipeline of 18.3GW – an increase of more than 34% year-on-year.
The FLAPD markets of Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris and Dublin account for approximately 43% of EMEA’s operational capacity, with a combined 5.2GW operational and 1.17GW under construction.
London remains EMEA’s largest market, with 1.38GW of operational capacity and a development pipeline of approximately 1.77GW. Paris has overtaken Dublin to become the region’s third-largest market by total capacity, while Helsinki has joined the region’s ‘Powerhouse’ category, surpassing 1GW of total capacity.
The report highlights a significant shift in market dynamics, with investment expanding beyond traditional hubs into selected Nordic and Southern European markets where access to power and suitable development sites can be secured quickly and at scale.
Matyas Fazekas, EMEA data centres research lead at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “The EMEA data centre market remains fundamentally undersupplied. Demand continues to exceed available capacity across much of the region, however ability to secure power, obtain permits and deliver capacity within commercially viable timescales are quickly becoming the defining factors for future growth.
“In a sign of maturity, we are seeing the market is become more selective rather than more speculative. Investors and operators with secured power, strong customer relationships and proven delivery capabilities are best positioned to capitalise on the next phase of growth. Capital is increasingly flowing to the markets that can demonstrate a realistic route to deployment, wherever they might be in the region.”
