Thought leadership

Data Centers – A modern digital asset class

September 22, 2026

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Data server background illustrating the theme of supporting data centre growth strategies with focused sector knowledge including advice for investors, developers, operators, and end-users throughout the data centre project lifecycle. Key legal services include advising on site acquisition, project finance and investment, contracts such as customer and supply agreements, data governance including ensuring compliance with data protection laws and addressing cyber threats, and navigating energy, environmental, and tax regulations.

    Supporting growth across the global data center market

    The data center sector sits at the heart of the global digital economy. Demand continues to accelerate as artificial intelligence, cloud adoption, digital transformation and increasing connectivity requirements drive a new wave of infrastructure investment around the world.

    Bringing new capacity to market has never been more complex. Developers, investors, operators and technology businesses must navigate challenges ranging from public opposition, power availability, planning and construction risk through to evolving regulatory requirements, cyber resilience and sustainability expectations.

    Ashurst Perkins Coie works alongside clients at every stage of the data center lifecycle, helping them identify, develop, finance, acquire, energise, equip, operate, build portfolios, and realise value from critical digital infrastructure assets. This multidisciplinary approach enables us to support developer-led projects while also advising on the financing, investment, and strategic transactions that are shaping the future of the sector.

    With more than two decades of experience advising on data center projects globally, we provide commercially focused advice informed by deep sector knowledge and a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges driving market growth.

    Through this content hub we explore the legal, commercial, and regulatory issues influencing the next generation of data center. Our insights cover topics across the full asset lifecycle, including:

    • Site acquisition, planning and development
    • Community engagement
    • Construction and procurement
    • Energy and power strategies
    • Financing and investment structures
    • Tech procurement
    • Mergers, acquisitions and strategic transactions
    • Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
    • Data privacy and cybersecurity
    • Sustainability and ESG

    Explore our articles, podcasts and thought leadership to keep your playbook sharp and stay ahead of the trends reshaping the global data centre market.

    Editorial Disclaimer

    Some of the articles listed on this page were originally published before the Ashurst Perkins Coie combination. See disclaimer.

    Articles

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    Data Centres The Draft Royal Decree Redefining Grid Access Rules and Energy Consumption

    A draft Royal Decree in Spain proposes new rules governing grid access and energy consumption requirements for data centres, exploring its potential impact on the sector's energy landscape.


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    Federal lands as the new AI data center frontier

    Two announcements have put federally managed land squarely at the center of the AI data center boom in the U.S.


     

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    The New Data Center Playbook | Chapter 2: Managing Social Risk and Opportunity

    We explore how developers, investors and operators can balance economic growth with environmental and community expectations. Drawing lessons from infrastructure, energy, and resources sectors.



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    Abstract 3D digital landscape of glowing cyan particles forming waves against a dark background used in the Rack Report Q2


    The Rack Report—Q2 edition

    The Rack Report is where that collective intelligence lands each quarter. We focus on the regulatory developments that matter to developers, operators, investors, and occupiers.


     

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    The New Data Center Playbook | Chapter 1: AI, Geopolitics, Regulatory and Economic Properties supporting Data Center Growth

    We discuss the intersection of AI, geo-political, regulatory and economic properties to support your data center growth strategy.

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    AI, IP and Data Centres: Australia makes a tentative play

    On 15 July 2026, the Australian Prime Minister announced new approaches to Artificial Intelligence in the country.



     

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    Data Centres in Italy: The New Regional Law of Lombardy


    On 20 June 2026, Lombardy Regional Law No. 11 of 3 June 2026, entitled “Provisions on the siting of data centres” entered into force.


     

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    Germany’s national Data Center Strategy


    Explore how Germany's new national data center strategy is set to shape the market: Faster grid connections, cheaper electricity and more government support.

     

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    Whirlpool of light

    Tax and data centers – powering structural change

    With the increasing digitalization of the global economy and the expansion of AI and digital payment services, the global data center market is experiencing unprecedented interest from investors, developers, funders and occupiers.

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    Data center dash: disputes risk in emerging markets, and 10 suggestions on how to manage it

    Explore how data centers shape technology, real estate, innovation, sustainability, and investment, exploring both the challenges and the opportunities.

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    India’s Digital Economy: Unlocking Opportunities for Global Data Centers

    As India’s digital economy continues its rapid ascent, the demand for data centers has surged.

     

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    Putting ESG and Green Cyber at the (data) center of your strategy

    The use of artificial intelligence is on the rise, and so too is the world's demand for connectivity and data storage.

     

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    Data Centers: Strengthening Security and Resilience

    We explore some of the key elements of NIS 2 and potential data center cyber security developments in the UK.

     

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    Repurposing data center heat for social good

    On this podcast, Mark Bjornsgaard explains how a night at the pub led to the accidental yet revolutionary inception of Deep Green.


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    A few hints on Data Centers in Spain

    In this article, we explain why Spain is currently being considered the ideal place to become a technology hub in Southern Europe for the sector.

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    Lessons from Singapore Data Centers

    Singapore consistently ranks as one of the most desirable data center locations in the world, due to its connectivity, framework and cloud services. 

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    An increasingly important asset class for the construction sector

    Explore key considerations associated with the construction of data centers.

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    AI - a win for data centers


    Explore some of the key drivers, trends and risks associated with AI and data centers.

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    Whirlpool of light

    Data centers and the Electronic Communications Code

    Find out how to get ahead of the game when it comes to the removal of apparatus.

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    Executive-ready data center checklists – What issues and risks do data centre owners and operators need to consider?

    These data center checklists are designed to help executive teams and in-house counsel identify and manage legal, regulatory, operational, national security, cross-border, and geopolitical risks associated with data center ownership, operations, and expansion—including those related to power sourcing, energy infrastructure, and sustainability obligations. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to provide legal advice, but rather to highlight issues that can materially affect project feasibility, timing, cost, approvals, operational continuity, investment strategy, regulatory compliance, and long-term scalability or flexibility if not addressed early. The questions below are intended to support informed decision-making and coordinated planning across legal, infrastructure, energy, finance, and operational teams.

    Download the checklists

    Vodcasts and podcasts

    The Rack Forum: The Race to Construct

    In this episode of The Rack Forum, we explore the race to construct data centres in Australia and the critical interdependence between water, power, and data centre infrastructure. We discuss the risks and opportunities facing developers of large-scale greenfield projects, and why establishing clear rules for coordinating construction timelines is essential to ensuring orderly development across Australia's rapidly evolving energy and digital landscape.

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    Hear from our Partners on the latest themes and topics on affecting Data Centre development in APAC

    Our video roundup captures highlights from The Rack Forum in Sydney, a dynamic symposium exploring the key themes shaping the Australian data centre market through a global lens. Drawing on the expertise of our global team – who are at the forefront of delivering some of the world's most significant data centre projects – speakers shared first-hand perspectives from the US and other leading markets, examining how international trends are influencing the opportunities and challenges ahead for Australia.

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    Data centres - here today, here tomorrow: Powering Australia's AI boom part 1

    In the first of this two-part episode of Here Today, Here Tomorrow we go in search of answers. Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Alexandra Peace is joined by colleagues Kate Muller and Mike Webb to discuss how data center operators can meet government expectations to provide their own power and offset demand with renewables.

    Listen Now

    Data centres - here today, here tomorrow Bringing the entire data centre ecosystem together part 1

    Data centres - here today, here tomorrow: Powering Australia's AI boom part 2

    Australia’s energy story is being rewritten by data center developers – and in this episode, we offer a sneak peek at how the next chapters will play out. From procurement risks to fresh revenue opportunities, we examine the issues developers should watch out for.

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    Data centres - here today, here tomorrow Bringing the entire data centre ecosystem together part 1

    Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: German landscape ripe for growth

    With more than 500 operational data centres, Germany could be described as the European capital of data centres. But it’s the fit-out and flexibility that will make or break Germany’s data centres aspirations. In this episode, we explore the market in detail and highlight the issues that investors need to know.

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    Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: Water’s Evolving Role in Australia’s Data Centre Strategy

    While power typically dominates discussions about data centre development, mounting constraints around water use and planning frameworks are quickly becoming decisive factors for project viability and community acceptance.

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    Data centre podcast, waters evolving role in Australia's data centres

    Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: France’s billion dollar bet on AI

    France has ambitions to become Europe’s AI superpower, leveraging its highly decarbonised electricity grid and government backing to attract billions in data centre investment. In this episode, we explore the market in detail and flag up the issues that investors need to know.

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    Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: India outlook

    In this episode, podcast host Ruth Harris is joined by Ashurst colleague Kalpana Unadkat to explain what is driving India’s extraordinary surge in data demand, how the government is responding, the types of facilities being built, and who the movers and shakers are among investors.

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    Data centres - here today, here tomorrow Bringing the entire data centre ecosystem together part 1

    Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: Middle East outlook

    From Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Jeddah, the Middle East has emerged as a global hotspot for data centre development. In this episode, we assess the investment opportunities and highlight trends to watch out for.

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    Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: Financing data centres in Spain’s booming market

    With investor interest rising by the day, our latest podcast explores the data centre market in Spain. This wide-ranging discussion covers everything from finance structuring to lease agreements, and from zoning challenges to power connection issues.

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    Data centres - here today, here tomorrow: Bringing the entire data centre ecosystem together part 2

    Ashurst recently brought together luminaries from across the data centre ecosystem to explore the many opportunities and challenges in the industry. In this episode, we share the key takeaways about investing and financing.

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    Data centres - here today, here tomorrow Bringing the entire data centre ecosystem together part 1

    Data centres - here today, here tomorrow: Bringing the entire data centre ecosystem together part 1

    Players from across the data centre ecosystem gathered recently to debate everything from planning and power to investment and financing. In this episode, we report on the opportunities and challenges that were identified, and some of the solutions that were uncovered.

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    Data centres - here today, here tomorrow Bringing the entire data centre ecosystem together part 1

    Decarbonising the last mile: Power to X technologies (including hydrogen) and data centres | Episode 2

    Renewable energy now accounts for over 40% of the electricity in Australia’s main grid. However, central to decarbonising the last mile is the reduction of emissions in difficult-to-abate sectors.

    In this episode of Nearing Net Zero, Dan Brown, Elena Lambros and Paul Gleeson consider the role of Power to X technologies as a potential solution whilst acknowledging the existing investment gap.

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    The push for green data by 2030

    Data centres are experiencing exponential growth due to the increasing demand for digital services, cloud computing and the internet of things. With data centres projected to comprise 8% of the global energy demand by 2030, it is imperative for the technology industry to adopt more sustainable practices.

    In our latest episode of Nearing Net Zero, Dan Brown and Elena Lambros discuss solutions being explored by businesses to meet their emission reduction goals and ensure the long-term sustainability of these solutions. 

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    The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to.
    Readers should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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