Mexico is poised to become a significant player in the global digital services arena, with plans for the construction of up to 73 new data centers within the next five years, as reported by the Mexican Association of Data Centers (MEXDC).
These centers, representing a potential investment of US $9.2 billion, are expected to bolster Mexico’s standing in the global tech landscape while meeting the escalating demand for digital services nationwide.
Leading companies such as Ascenty, DCD, Equinix, Layer9 Data Centers, Odata, Scala Data Centers, and KIO are anticipated to spearhead these projects. Notably, Amazon Web Services announced a US $5 billion investment in Querétaro in February, signaling a significant commitment to the region’s digital infrastructure.
President of MEXDC, Amet Novillo, highlighted Mexico’s growing allure for the data center industry, citing recent substantial growth that has positioned the country as a key technology hub in Latin America. With 166 existing data centers already in operation, Mexico ranks among the top 10 global hubs for such facilities.
MEXDC aims to elevate data centers to a critical industry status, emphasizing their pivotal role in the nation’s economy. These centers serve as dedicated spaces for housing computer systems and related infrastructure, boasting redundant components and robust security measures.
In efforts to ensure government recognition of the industry’s significance, MEXDC has engaged with key ministries such as the Economy Ministry (SE), the Infrastructure and Communications Ministry (SICT), and the Federal Telecoms Institute (IFT). This engagement seeks to secure favorable access to essential resources such as electricity and water for data center operations.
Projected energy requirements for the new data centers are substantial, with estimates suggesting a potential increase of up to 400% compared to existing facilities. Novillo anticipates a significant influx of investment and job creation, with over 68,000 employment opportunities expected during the construction phase and more than 24,000 permanent jobs by 2029.
The anticipated economic impact is substantial, with the industry forecasted to contribute over US $75.5 billion to Mexico’s economy by 2029, equivalent to 5.2% of the GDP.
These developments underscore Mexico’s emergence as a prominent player in the global digital services landscape, with data centers playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and technological advancement.