As data center demand continues to accelerate, the question is no longer just where to build, but how markets will keep up with the pace of growth.
In this episode of Not Your Father’s Data Center Podcast, Raymond Hawkins sits down with Andrew Batson, Head of Data Center Research at JLL, to break down the forces reshaping the data center landscape. From market fundamentals to AI-driven demand, the conversation explores how supply, power, and capital are converging to define the next decade of digital infrastructure.
Watch the Episode
Data Center Market Trends with Andrew Batson | Not Your Father’s Data Center Podcast
Key Takeaways:
Demand continues to outpace supply:
AI-driven growth and pre-leasing activity are tightening vacancy rates across major North American markets.
Core markets remain dominant:
Established regions continue to capture the majority of colocation demand due to infrastructure, connectivity and scale.
Power is shaping development timelines:
Constraints around power availability and regulatory hurdles are slowing new supply despite strong demand signals.
Pre-leasing is redefining risk:
Capacity is increasingly being secured before delivery, changing how operators approach development and investment.
Alternative power strategies are emerging:
Behind-the-meter and microgrid solutions are gaining attention as operators look for more control over energy supply.
AI is reshaping long-term demand curves:
The rise of AI workloads is fundamentally changing absorption trends and will continue to drive growth through 2030 and beyond.
About the Guest:
Andrew Batson
Head of Data Center Research, JLL
Andrew Batson brings a research-driven perspective to one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy. With a background in urban planning and commercial real estate, his work focuses on understanding the forces shaping data center demand, market dynamics, and long-term infrastructure trends.
At JLL, Andrew leads data center research across North America, providing insight into how AI, power availability, and capital investment are influencing the future of digital infrastructure.
