The soaring demand for electricity has become the biggest driver in data center expansion in the US, a survey has found.

 

The need for additional power is the top reason for data center expansions, up from fifth place on last year's survey to first place this year, the study has revealed.

 

Commissioned by data center provider Digital Realty Trust (DRT), it found 83% of senior decision-makers at North American corporations were planning data center expansions in the next 12 to 24 months.

 

Of those planning to expand, 70% were building large centers of at least 15,000 square feet in size or 2 MW or greater power.

 

DRT senior vice president Chris Crosby said the survey pointed to strong demand for data center space.

 

“The need for additional power has become the main driver for data center expansion plans as companies seek facilities with adequate power and favorable utility rates to control operating costs,” Crosby said.

 

The study also revealed an increased focus on measuring data center energy efficiency. 76% said they now meter their power use and 75% believe they can comply with future carbon emissions-related and energy-related regulations.

 

The average reported Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) energy efficiency rating was 2.9, with one in six reporting ratings of less than 2.0.

Awareness of PUE was now “nearly universal,” with 96% recognition, Crosby noted.