JLL projects that Asia-Pacific data centre capacity will nearly double, rising from 32GW to 57GW by 2030. This growth is driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centres, which is reshaping power markets and making grid access a critical factor for real estate and infrastructure investment.
This trend marks a reversal of decades of stable or declining electricity demand, with utilities now forecasting demand significantly above previous expectations. Globally, JLL predicts data centre capacity could reach 200GW by the same year.
According to JLL’s Energy & Infrastructure Advisory platform, grid infrastructure is the key constraint. Interconnection queues for new renewable projects have stretched to four years or more in some regions, while data centre development is outpacing grid planning in several APAC markets.
James Cameron, head of Energy & Infrastructure, APAC, at JLL, said the status and location of grid connections is now the “first question” for investors in liberalised APAC markets including Australia, India, Japan, and the Philippines, and has the largest valuation impact for development assets.
JLL notes that these constraints are creating opportunities for assets that can provide reliable power or grid flexibility. Battery energy storage systems are becoming an important solution, allowing power to be stored when supply is abundant and released during periods of high demand.
In Australia, anticipated legislation requiring data centre developers to match additional capacity with new renewable generation is prompting innovative approaches, including joint ventures and incorporating batteries into data centre projects.
Globally, hyperscalers announced $200 billion of capital expenditure for 2026, up 51% from 2025, according to JLL. The firm said the combination of strong capital availability and limited grid capacity is creating a scarcity premium for assets with secure power access.
“Capital is available, but certainty is harder to find,” said Matt Eastwick, group head and senior managing director, Energy & Infrastructure Advisory, U.S., at JLL. “Winners will be those who factor grid constraints and power availability into their investment decisions from day one.”
JLL said the trend is also driving greater collaboration between energy developers and data centre operators, including direct investment in renewable assets and new partnership models designed to secure long-term power supply.
