A new report reveals artificial intelligence (AI) is creating a “seismic shift” in the way data centers are designed, built, and operated. Released by AFCOM, the ninth annual State of the Data Center Industry report also highlights top security threats, sustainability, and other issues for these high-tech facilities.

The role of data centers has never been more critical, according to the report. In an age of unrelenting connectivity and surging demand for digital infrastructure, data centers are the backbone of progress, powering everything from generative AI to large language models and beyond. The report, which has been a fixture at AFCOM’s annual Data Center World conference, reveals that 80% of respondents anticipate significant increases in capacity requirements due to AI workloads, and 64% are actively deploying AI-capable solutions in their facilities.

Additional highlights of the report:

• The number of data centers will increase over the next three years, from a current average of one to an average of six, a six-fold increase in construction for many operators. New to the survey this year, respondents report an estimated mean data center facility size of 32 megawatts (MW).
• The era of the nuclear data center is here. Thirty-three percent of respondents cite it as a key renewable energy source, a 12% increase from 2024. Solar energy remains the frontrunner at 55%.
• For the ninth consecutive year, ransomware has dominated the list of top security and infrastructure threats. When asked to identify the top five concerns, respondents pointed to ransomware (60%, up from 54% in 2024); human threats—internal or external (57%, a significant rise from 40% in 2024); advanced persistent threats targeting IT and corporate data (48%); Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks (47%, nearly doubling from 25% in 2024); and data exfiltration or loss (43%, up from 28% in 2024).
• New to the survey is a question on the changes in physical security requirements. A majority of respondents (78%) report at least some changes to physical security requirements for their data centers in the past 12-24 months, most commonly more comprehensive surveillance and monitoring systems (48%), followed by enhanced vendor and contractor vetting processes (38%).
• The data center industry continues to be a dynamic and rewarding career path, with a growing demand for skilled professionals. The most sought-after roles include Multi-Skilled Data Center Operators (58%); Data Center Engineers (50%), up from 45% from 2024, signaling increasing demand for technical expertise; and Security Specialists (44%), up from 39% from 2024, highlighting the critical need for cybersecurity talent.

“The data center has evolved from a supporting player to the cornerstone of digital transformation. It’s the engine behind the most innovative solutions shaping our world today,” said Bill Kleyman, AFCOM Data Center World Program chair and CEO and co-founder of Apolo.us. “This is a time to embrace bold experimentation and collective innovation, push boundaries, adopt transformative technologies, and focus on sustainability to prepare for what lies ahead.”

An executive summary of the report is available here.

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