The Reality of Data Centres in Poland

Poland’s data centre market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by digital transformation, cloud adoption, and increased demand for colocation services. PMR market experts say the country’s data centre market could exceed 500 MW by 2030.

While 500 MW might not seem substantial when compared to Germany’s market, which boasts over 4,000 MW, or Italy’s approximately 2,000 MW, it represents a significant increase for Poland, which currently has around 120 MW.

Given that Poland is classified as a Tier 3 country in terms of data centre maturity, this anticipated growth to 500 MW is quite remarkable and indicative of the country's evolving digital landscape.

However, as the market expands, so do the complexities of designing, constructing, and managing these critical facilities. Building Information Modeling is emerging as a key enabler, ensuring efficiency, precision, and sustainability in data centre development.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• The key drivers behind Poland’s data centre boom and growth forecasts.
• The role of BIM in transforming the design, construction, and operation of data centres.
• How BIM is being applied in Poland’s leading data centres.
• The future of data centres with AI, BIM, and IoT technologies.
• The Polish Data Center Association’s role in supporting the digitalisation of the world.

Our article uses data from PMR’s latest report.

The Data Center Boom in Poland

While Warsaw might not be as famous as San Francisco, this can be a good thing. The city has a great mix of culture and a lower cost of living, making it a fantastic place for tech workers. It attracts talent not just from Poland but also from the entire Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, which has a population of over 100 million. This flow of skilled workers helps create a vibrant tech scene, positioning Poland as a rising digital hub in Europe.

Improving Quality of Life in Poland

A?report?from the?Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (#OECD)?shows that Poland significantly improved its residents' quality of life from 2010 to 2023. Along with Estonia, Poland is one of the few European countries that has seen such progress. These improvements include better healthcare, education, and public services, making it a more attractive place to live and work.

Growth of the IT Sector

Poland's IT sector is booming.

According to the latest?report?from the?Business Services Sector, the share of IT workers in the overall workforce has risen to 7%. In cities like Warsaw and Kraków, more than 100,000 employees work in IT services. Experts predict that this number will grow, with total IT employment in Poland expected to exceed 470,000 by early 2025. This growth highlights Poland’s potential as a key player in the tech industry.

Polish Employee Speaks English

Poland also benefits from a high level of English proficiency among its population. The EF English Proficiency Index ranks Poland 15th out of 115 countries, indicating that many Poles speak English well. This skill is crucial for businesses that operate internationally, as it helps with communication and collaboration across borders.

Why is BIM Essential for Data Centres?

For the past few years, BIM has become a crucial component of the data centre environment, and for good reason.

Traditional design and construction methods relied heavily on 2D drawings and isolated workflows, which often resulted in errors, inefficiencies, and budget overruns. BIM revolutionises this approach by integrating 3D modelling, data intelligence, and real-time collaboration into a cohesive workflow, improving accuracy and streamlining processes.

Key BIM Advantages for Data Centres

Clash Detection & Precision

• BIM enables the early identification of clashes (e.g., HVAC, electrical, and IT infrastructure conflicts).
• Given the high-density nature of data centres, preventing spatial conflicts is crucial to optimising available space whilst also maintaining enough clearance for maintenance.

Modular & Fast-Track Construction

• BIM supports prefabrication and modular designs, allowing for quicker assembly and reduced on-site risks.
• This aligns with the wholesale data centre market's shift toward pre-contracted projects, where facilities are leased before construction is completed.

Energy & Cooling Efficiency

• Data centres are among the largest energy consumers, making thermal modelling within BIM essential for cooling optimisation.
• With Poland’s focus on carbon reduction, BIM-driven simulations help companies meet sustainability goals.

Digital Twin & Lifecycle Management

• BIM enables the creation of a digital twin, allowing operators to monitor, maintain, and optimise facilities in real-time.
• As hyper-scale providers like AWS and Microsoft expand in Poland, BIM-driven lifecycle management will become even more vital.

So, how is BIM Transforming Data Centres in Poland?

Beyond.pl - Poland’s Most Advanced Data Center

Poznań-based Beyond.pl operates one of Europe’s most energy-efficient facilities. Their Rated 4 ANSI/TIA-942 data centre benefits from BIM-driven planning, optimising server density, cooling, and power efficiency.

Atman WAW-3 – BIM-Powered Expansion in Warsaw

Atman , Poland’s largest commercial data centre provider, is building WAW-3, a next-gen facility in Warsaw. BIM is being used to streamline design, improve space utilisation, and enhance facility management - ensuring future scalability.

The Polish Data Center Association’s Role in Supporting the Digitalisation of the World

The PLDCA - Stowarzyszenie Polish Data Center Association plays an essential role in accelerating the digital transformation of Poland and beyond. As data centres become the backbone of the global digital economy, PLDCA supports the industry by fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.

Key Contributions of PLDCA:

• Collaboration & Networking PLDCA brings together stakeholders from all corners of the industry - data centre operators, tech providers, and regulatory bodies - creating a unified platform for knowledge exchange and industry advancement.
• Standards & Best Practices PLDCA establishes industry standards to ensure that data centres operate at the highest levels of security, efficiency, and scalability, crucial as demand for digital services continues to grow.
• Advocating for Sustainability The association promotes green data centre practices, driving the adoption of energy-efficient solutions and carbon-neutral initiatives, making a positive impact on global sustainability goals.
• Fostering Education & Innovation The PLDCA is committed to training the next generation of digital infrastructure professionals, equipping them with the skills necessary to handle emerging technologies like BIM, IoT, and AI.

To sum up

Poland’s data centre market is on a rapid growth trajectory, with forecasts predicting a 500 MW+ market by 2030. However, as investments pour in, challenges in design, construction, and lifecycle management must be addressed.

BIM provides a great solution - offering efficiency, precision, and sustainability to meet the needs of hyper-scale operators, colocation providers, and enterprise data centres.

At Frescon, we specialise in BIM solutions that support data centre projects with advanced modelling, collaboration, and lifecycle insights.

Interested? Give us a call.

May BIM be with you!