Artificial intelligence is redrawing the digital infrastructure map, and developers are scrambling to keep pace. Power-intensive AI tenants are fueling a search for data center space that can deliver five to 20 megawatts—or more—on rapid timelines, according to a new CBRE report calling for a “new blueprint” for digital infrastructure.
These companies, including GPU-as-a-service providers and specialized “neoclouds,” are driving demand for facilities that enable high-performance computing and advanced AI workloads under one roof. Such occupiers rely on graphics processing units optimized for parallel computing needed in AI, gaming, video rendering and scientific modeling, CBRE noted.
Power is now the defining constraint," with densities now in the 50–100 kilowatt range, which is changing the cooling design to direct-to-chip or immersion,” according to the report. That shift underscores the growing challenge of securing sufficient capacity in key markets.
Northern Virginia, the nation’s leading data center hub, currently has about 25 MW of available existing power capacity, CBRE found. Southern California and Atlanta each sit around 24 MW, according to DgtlInfra. By contrast, new hyperscale projects under construction are targeting more than 1 gigawatt on a single site—an illustration of the scale needed to meet AI-era demand.
But space remains scarce. “Even with data center supply increasing by 43% this year in primary markets, the vacancy rate fell to a record low 1.6%,” CBRE said.
AI occupiers also have uncompromising operational standards. Dual power feeds, backup generation and uninterruptible power supply redundancy are baseline expectations. Leading operators now emphasize precision maintenance, thermal efficiency and consistent uptime to ensure uninterrupted availability.
Flexibility is another priority. Occupiers increasingly seek facilities that can scale modularly—expanding power density and floor space while allowing swift shifts between wholesale and retail colocation models. Lease structures, too, are becoming more flexible to accommodate fluctuating workloads.
Carrier-neutral ecosystems and high fiber density remain critical differentiators. These environments enable robust connectivity to multiple telecom and cloud providers and ensure compliance with regional privacy and security standards. Physical and cybersecurity resilience are nonnegotiable.
Looking ahead, CBRE expects “the next generation of AI occupiers will measure value by the ability to scale, interconnect and sustain at speed.” Operators who deliver on that promise, the firm concludes, will define the competitive landscape for digital infrastructure in 2025 and beyond.
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