Data centres in Poland are becoming increasingly important in the region’s digital infrastructure. Interest in them is growing as businesses need data processing closer to the user, cloud solutions and computing power for artificial intelligence. In recent years, domestic power resources have increased significantly, and forecasts indicate that they could approach 500 MW by the end of the decade. Poland is clearly strengthening its position as a technology hub in Central and Eastern Europe.
Why data centres in Poland attract investors
The growing number of investments is due to a combination of several factors: a large user base, the development of the cloud services sector, stable telecommunications infrastructure and its location between the West and countries further east. Global operators – including Microsoft, Google Cloud and Equinix – are already active in the Polish market, and new players are actively analysing opportunities to enter.
The most important reasons for the growing popularity are:
- the demand for local data processing,
- the rapid growth in demand for computing power for AI,
- good availability of international fibre optic routes,
- a stable business environment and growing IT skills in Poland.
Key challenges for data centres in Poland
1. Access to sufficient energy
This is a key factor determining the success of an investment. Data centres in Poland consume a lot of energy, and the national power system faces the challenge of modernisation and increasing connection capacity. An additional constraint is the still high share of coal in the energy mix, which increases costs and hinders the achievement of ESG goals.
Key barriers:
- limited availability of new connection capacities,
- growing energy demand from many industries,
- high energy prices for large consumers,
- limited access to green energy in the direct model.
In response, the industry is focusing on:
- long-term PPAs,
- the construction of RES sources dedicated to facilities,
- considering SMR technology in the future.
2. Environmental and regulatory requirements
The EU Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) requires operators to report energy and water consumption and to use energy-efficient technologies. Heat recovery is also becoming increasingly important, although it is still in the early stages of implementation in Poland.
Key requirements:
- efficient cooling systems,
- minimisation of carbon footprint,
- development of solutions to reduce water consumption,
- cooperation with district heating systems.
3. Difficulties in planning and land availability
Poland still lacks dedicated zones for data centres. This means that complex administrative procedures have to be followed, which vary from municipality to municipality. The availability of plots close to energy and fibre optic infrastructure can also be problematic.
The most common difficulties:
- fragmented and inconsistent planning procedures,
- a small number of large, well-located plots,
- competition with logistics and industry,
- infrastructure limitations outside the largest agglomerations.
How Poland is responding to market needs
Network modernisation
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (Polish Power Grid) is working on expanding transmission lines and modernising the network by 2034. These measures are intended to improve power availability for large consumers, including data centres.
The growing importance of locations outside Warsaw
Investments are increasingly being made in:
- Poznań,
- Łódź,
- Trójmiasto (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot),
- and Wrocław.
These areas offer greater land availability and a lower risk of infrastructure collisions.
Use of post-industrial areas
Brownfield sites have great potential because they are often developed and well connected.
Dialogue between the industry and the administration
The activities of the Polish Data Centre Association are aimed at:
- standardising procedures for investors,
- improving cooperation with local authorities,
- developing a national strategy for data centres.
What else could improve Poland’s competitiveness?
Experts point to several directions:
- Designating investment zones for data centres
- Accelerated procedures for RES-powered facilities
- Stronger support for PPAs
- Tax incentives and regional support
This would simplify administrative procedures and shorten construction times.
This would encourage operators to invest in low-carbon solutions.
This would increase access to renewable energy and relieve the transmission system.
These would help develop infrastructure outside the largest centres.
Data centres in Poland have a real opportunity to strengthen the country’s position as a key technology hub in the region. Demand for data processing is constantly growing, and investments by global players confirm the market’s potential. To take full advantage of this, the following are needed:
- further investment in energy networks,
- wider access to renewable energy sources and PPAs,
- simplified planning procedures,
- development of locations outside Warsaw.
