The recognition of data centers as key infrastructure and a wave of investment in Latin America will shape the industry’s course in the coming year.
The data center industry experienced accelerated growth in 2024, expected to continue into 2025. As the digital backbone of the global economy, data centers are expanding at an unprecedented pace to meet growing demand.
According to Precedence Research, the global data center market is projected to triple in value over the next decade, reaching approximately $776 billion by 2034. To keep pace with this expansion, industry players must adopt agile and innovative strategies while addressing technical, infrastructure, and sustainability challenges.
One key driver behind this boom is artificial intelligence (AI), which continues to fuel demand. A Gartner study projects that data center capacity dedicated to AI will grow at an average annual rate of 33% through 2030. At that point, approximately 70% of demand will be directed toward AI-optimized infrastructure.
However, AI is not the only catalyst shaping the industry’s future. Here are five additional trends that will drive growth in 2025:
Key Trends in the Data Center Industry
1. Recognition of Data Centers as Critical Infrastructure
The global recognition of data centers as essential infrastructure is rising. In countries like the United Kingdom, these facilities have been classified as critical infrastructure, joining the United States and other nations that have already adopted this designation, according to a UK Department for Infrastructure report.
As awareness of the industry’s importance grows, so does the expectation that data center operators contribute positively to their surrounding communities. According to an analysis by DataCenter Dynamics, collaboration with local stakeholders and job creation are becoming key elements in ensuring broader social acceptance of the industry.
2. Sustainability as a Defining Factor
The fast-growing expansion of data center infrastructure has intensified concerns about environmental impact. Energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable construction materials have become critical factors for the industry’s future. The International Energy Agency highlights that liquid cooling significantly reduces water and energy consumption.
Companies also explore modular infrastructure solutions to minimize carbon emissions and construction waste. According to consulting firm IDC, several organizations are investing in clean energy sources, including wind and nuclear power, to reduce their environmental footprint.
3. Talent Shortage and Strategies for Workforce Development
The data center sector continues to grapple with a persistent talent shortage. A Uptime Institute study estimates that by 2025, the industry will require 2.3 million full-time employees—an increase of 300,000 from 2019. However, six out of ten companies report difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified personnel.
Organizations are implementing innovative recruitment strategies to address this challenge, such as training programs for military veterans and leveraging temporary visa programs to attract international talent.
Academic partnerships are also meaningful. Data center companies and universities or technical schools are collaborating more to develop specialized infrastructure training programs.
4. Global Expansion with a Focus on Latin America
With capacity in the United States nearing its limit, data center providers are looking to international markets. Latin America has surged as an attractive region, offering lower competition than Asia-Pacific and Europe.
In 2023, data center investments in Latin America reached $6.36 billion, and projections suggest that figure will surpass $10 billion by 2029. Brazil leads the regional expansion with a market share exceeding 40%, followed by Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina.
Aerodoc COO Dan Zonnenschein emphasized the company’s pivotal role in this expansion: “Since 2020, Aerodoc has steadily expanded, supporting data center equipment distribution worldwide, particularly in Latin America and Asia.” According to Zonnenschein, Aerodoc’s Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) with Importer of Record (IOR) service has helped numerous data centers navigate complex import regulations, accelerating their deployment timelines.
5. Business Process and Regulatory Innovation
Beyond technological advancements, the industry is also prioritizing process optimization. Streamlining regulatory approvals and construction permitting has become a top priority. A 2024 study by 451 Research highlights that implementing AI-driven automation in these processes could significantly reduce administrative delays.
Aerodoc: Your Trusted Partner in 2025
Aerodoc has established itself as the ideal partner for data centers and providers seeking a seamless solution for importing essential hardware. Many of our customers prefer to outsource this complex operation, and we provide a comprehensive solution tailored to their specific needs in global distribution, enabling rapid business scaling.
With our DDP with IOR services, Aerodoc manages all importation requirements, including permits, licensing, brokerage, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery in the destination country.
If your business is expanding, contact our team today to explore how Aerodoc can support your growth strategy.
Q&A
- Why are data centers being recognized as critical infrastructure? Due to their fundamental role in the digital economy, data centers are recognized as essential infrastructure. Countries like the United Kingdom and the United States have classified them as critical infrastructure, which means operators have greater responsibilities. Beyond ensuring digital service availability, data center providers are expected to contribute to local communities through job creation and collaboration with regional stakeholders.
- How will sustainability impact the growth of data centers? Sustainability has become a defining factor for the industry’s future. Given the high energy consumption of data centers, companies are adopting solutions such as liquid cooling to reduce water and energy usage. Modular construction and using renewable energy sources—such as wind and nuclear power—are also being explored to minimize carbon footprints and construction waste.
- What are the main challenges in the data center job market? The industry is facing a notable talent shortage. By 2025, an estimated 2.3 million full-time employees will be needed, yet many companies struggle to hire and retain skilled professionals.
- Why has Latin America become an attractive market for data center expansion? With capacity in the United States reaching its limits, Latin America has surged as a strategic market due to its lower competition than Asia-Pacific and Europe. In 2023, data center investments in the region reached $6.36 billion, with projections surpassing $10 billion by 2029.
- How is the industry innovating in business processes and regulations? Beyond technological advancements, the industry is prioritizing process optimization. Streamlining regulatory approvals and construction permitting has become a top priority.
