Petroc Taylor
Research expert covering global developments in the use of data
Digital Realty - statistics & facts
Digital Realty is among the major data center operators providing the infrastructure powering digital transformation. From AI-powered devices to next generation telecoms networks, emerging technologies are becoming increasingly data and process-intensive, driving a global data center market forecast to generate over 344 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Texas-based Digital Realty operates as a carrier-neutral colocation provider, renting data center capacity to a range of enterprise customers. The firm has experienced strong growth in recent years, with annual revenue surpassing five billion U.S. dollars in 2023, and attracting some of the largest clients in the tech world.
Digital Realty looks to expand its global presence
Digital Realty operates data center facilities in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa, with investments in further properties under management agreements. The North American market remains the company’s largest in terms of rentable square feet, with a concentration of facilities in the data center hub of Northern Virginia accounting for over 17 percent of the company’s annual rent alone. However, Digital Realty has also underlined its ongoing ambition to diversify its portfolio worldwide, having recently acquired a majority interest in the South African operator Teraco, and listing further capacity as under active development across the globe. With its significant real estate investments, the company ranks among the world’s ten largest real estate investment trusts (REITs) by market cap.Sustainability reporting will increase scrutiny on European operations
Digital Realty’s business expansion has seen its annual energy consumption surge in recent years. This highlights an industry wide concern, with water and power-hungry facilities placing a strain on local infrastructure and prompting calls for tighter sustainability rules. Firms such as Digital Realty publish limited efficiency metrics at present, though survey data points to flatlining data center efficiency gains across the industry. However, newly adopted legislation in the European Union will require Digital Realty to report key performance indicators regarding its facilities in the bloc. This will place a spotlight on the company’s sustainability credentials, prompting it to explore innovative solutions as it seeks to expand its global operations and remain a leading player in the digital infrastructure revolution.
