By: Ben Selier - VP of Secure Power for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric

The data centre industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven primarily by the explosive growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As we reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the demands of AI are reshaping the very foundations of data infrastructure. This isn't merely about incremental upgrades; it’s a fundamental shift in how we design, power, and operate these critical facilities.

The rise of AI workloads – a new paradigm for data centres

One of the most significant developments is the increasing dominance of AI workloads within data centres. The computational demands of AI, particularly for training complex models, are placing unprecedented pressure on existing infrastructure. This has led to the accelerated development of powerful computing infrastructure that can handle the vast amounts of data required for AI training.

However, what's interesting is the evolving approach to AI inference, the ‘working’ part of AI responsible for decision-making and content generation. Initially, it was thought that smaller, edge-based systems would be used for inference. Yet, in the short term, large, centralised training clusters are being repurposed for inference, leading to what’s now being called ‘data centre inferencing’. 

While this approach may use oversized resources for tasks that don't necessarily require such immense compute power, it does highlight the need to optimise and innovate further in the area of edge computing. As we progress into 2025, we can expect to see a gradual shift towards edge computing for inference, especially as businesses look to capitalise on lower latency, enhanced data security and increased operational efficiencies.

Sustainability - balancing growth with environmental responsibility

Sustainability remains a core concern in the digital infrastructure space. The industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, with many operators adopting renewable energy sources and employing effective demand-management strategies. The focus on efficient cooling solutions and ambitious net-zero carbon goals demonstrates a strong commitment towards environmentally responsible operations. 

Data centres are not only required to handle the computational intensity of AI but also to integrate smarter, more efficient systems that optimise energy use and ensure seamless connectivity.

In Africa, this sustainability challenge is particularly acute due to its reliance on traditional energy sources.. However, Africa's growing digital economy presents a unique opportunity for innovative data centre development that prioritises sustainability. 

Developers are encouraged to explore alternative power solutions such as microgrids and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to enhance energy resilience while minimising environmental impact. These innovations can help create a more sustainable energy ecosystem that supports both data centres and local communities.

The future landscape - collaboration and capacity building

The relationship between data centres and utilities is also set to evolve. Closer collaboration and better communication between these two entities will enable data centres to become an integral part of the utility power ecosystem. This includes leveraging AI for power management, enabling data centres to optimise their energy consumption by switching between grid and backup power as necessary.

In Africa, where power grid challenges are prevalent, this collaboration is crucial. The continent's data centre market is projected to grow by 50% in capacity by 2026. This growth necessitates innovative designs that incorporate renewable energy sources and efficient cooling systems while addressing local infrastructure challenges. 

Indeed, by adopting new operational models inspired by successful leapfrogging efforts in other sectors—like mobile telecommunications—data centres can contribute significantly to Africa's digital transformation while ensuring sustainability.

The era of change

The data centre industry is in the midst of a dramatic transformation. AI is not just a driver but a catalyst for fundamental changes in how data centres are conceived, designed, and operated. The industry is addressing these challenges by exploring new energy solutions, increasing its focus on sustainability, and adapting its infrastructure to meet the increasing demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

As Africa continues to expand its digital economy with rising internet penetration and mobile connectivity—projected to account for 15-20% of GDP by 2025—the potential for innovative data centre development becomes even more pronounced.. 

The advancements that lie ahead are expected to be profound, leading to a new generation of data centres that will be far more efficient, resilient, and sustainable while playing a pivotal role in supporting economic growth across the continent.