Asia Pacific faces AI data centre gap despite booming demand

CBRE has released a report indicating a significant gap between supply and demand for AI-ready data centres across the Asia Pacific region despite an expected rapid increase in total capacity over the next three years.

The report forecasts that data centre supply in Asia Pacific is set to double by 2028, yet there will likely be a shortfall of 15 to 25 gigawatts due to limitations in both power availability and the lack of facilities equipped to support artificial intelligence workloads.

Growth in artificial intelligence adoption and the demand for cloud services are highlighted as key drivers behind intensified requirements for data centre infrastructure across the region. However, CBRE's analysis notes that many existing and forthcoming data centres were built based on traditional specifications rather than the heightened demands of AI applications.

CBRE explains that AI-centred data centres require more than double the power density per server rack compared to conventional set-ups. These facilities also demand advanced infrastructure, including specialised cooling systems, increased floor loading capacity, and greater sensitivity to network latency and bandwidth requirements. Many projects currently under construction were designed before these new requirements came to the fore, leaving the region on course for a shortage of suitable AI-ready space.

Notwithstanding these challenges, CBRE reports that investment in the data centre sector has remained robust. Figures compiled by MSCI and CBRE Research show that direct investment volumes reached USD $4.7 billion in 2024, with continued high levels of activity registered in early 2025. Many operators and developers are now looking to repurpose stabilised assets to meet evolving needs, while land investments continue to rise despite power constraints, project delays, and resistance from local communities.

Tom Fillmore, Executive Director, Data Centres, Capital Markets, Asia Pacific for CBRE, commented that investors should be adapting their strategies to capture opportunities driven by the AI transformation. He said, "To capitalise on the growth in AI workload, investors should focus on more advanced data centre assets. Prioritising mergers and acquisitions, as well as equity investments in operators with a strong development pipeline will be key to achieving scalability, especially for projects that are power-ready."

The CBRE report highlights that the sector's robust fundamentals are expected to sustain a broad range of investment opportunities, from direct acquisitions and new builds to joint venture partnerships and platform-level participation. It also forecasts steady price appreciation for the newest and most advanced data centre assets, which are likely to see increased investor demand.

Ada Choi, Head of Research, Asia Pacific for CBRE, described the dual impact of AI expansion and cloud services uptake on the regional market. She said, "The AI boom and need for cloud services will continue to drive robust demand for both co-location and hyperscale data centres in Asia Pacific in the foreseeable future, attracting significant investor interest. Developed markets like Japan, Australia and Korea will see heightened demand, with Singapore also attracting attention despite its supply limitations."

CBRE's analysis suggests that addressing power supply constraints and ensuring data centres are equipped for AI workloads will be critical to meeting Asia Pacific's data infrastructure needs in the coming years.