Hyperscaler self-build data centre capacity in Europe is expected to outpace the growth of colocation supply in 2026, according to new research from CBRE.

Hyperscaler self-build capacity is expected to reach 4.2GW this year, representing 24% year-on-year growth compared with 2025. This new supply will be delivered across nine European countries, marking the seventeenth consecutive year of double-digit expansion for the segment.

By comparison, the top 15 European colocation data centre markets are expected to grow 19% year-on-year.

Andrew Jay, head of data centre solutions, Europe, at CBRE, said: “The hyperscaler self-build segment is growing as hyperscalers are looking to build facilities at scale and control more of the supply chain, the design of the facility and ensure they have the power necessary.”

Kevin Restivo, director, European data centre research at CBRE, added: “Traditionally, the fastest route to market for hyperscalers in need of data centre capacity delivered are the developer-operators. We expect this to remain true for the foreseeable future. Hyperscalers will, in some instances, build their own facilities though.”