FEATURE
Building in this distributed manner also reinforces cybersecurity resilience. Systems designed to operate across multiple environments can absorb disruptions at one site, while embedding distribution into normal operations ensures continuity and supports sustainable growth.
Alfred Manasseh, Co- Founder & COO at Shaffra
Scaling data centre capacity sustainably today requires moving beyond simply adding more infrastructure, especially as forecasts suggest that the global power demand from data centres could rise by about 165 % by 2030 compared with 2023.
While much of the current focus remains on expanding racks and power, long-term success depends far more on how efficiently computing resources are used.
Much of today’ s demand is still driven by shortterm AI model training, which is expensive and energy-intensive. In contrast, everyday enterprise applications such as workflow automation, digital employees and AI-powered operations create steady, predictable demand that supports long-term utilisation.
Stronger partnerships with telecommunications providers can also play an important role in scaling more effectively. As strategic partners or co-owners, telcos bring long-term power agreements, nationwide fibre networks, regulatory expertise and established enterprise customers. This makes it easier for operators to optimise energy use, connect edge and core infrastructure, reduce latency and support national digital objectives.
At the same time, energy challenges call for smarter use of computing resources rather than simply increasing capacity.
Techniques such as model optimisation, quantisation and distillation, alongside edge deployment, can significantly reduce unnecessary processing. When AI systems are designed around task efficiency and real workflow needs, they naturally consume less energy and operate at lower cost.
Sustainability must also make financial sense. With data centre power demand expected to grow sharply over the next decade, operators cannot afford to scale ahead of real adoption. Infrastructure must grow in line with enterprise usage to avoid pressure on margins.
Data centres are most resilient when supported by sectors deploying AI at scale, including government, workforce automation and core business operations.
Looking ahead, successful expansion will be distributed, sovereign, telco-integrated and application-led. Operators that align infrastructure, models and real-world deployment into a single, demand-driven ecosystem will be best positioned for longterm growth. • www. intelligentcio. com
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