Top 10 biggest data centres globally

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Data centres are the unseen powerhouses running our digital lives, powering everything from social media and cloud gaming to video streaming and AI chatbots. Our appetite for data is ever-expanding, fuelled by the advent of cloud computing, AI, and an always-connected society.

As a result, some of these facilities have evolved into vast structures of immense scale. Mega data centres are not simply warehouses filled with servers; they are complex ecosystems engineered to store, process and transmit enormous amounts of information at lightning speed. In this article, we take an inside look at the world’s largest data centres in terms of floor space, including where this planet-wide digital backbone lives.

Methodology / criteria

For our list, “biggest” was defined strictly in terms of floor space, either measured in square metres or square feet. We also include the power capacity (in MW) when available. Rankings can be affected by whether a facility is a single building or campus, by whether it’s already built or planned, and by the extent to which you factor in gross versus usable area. Sources: Webopedia, Data Centre Dynamics, Statista, and operator announcements, such as those from Switch, Vantage, or Digital Realty.

global data centres

1. China Telecom – Inner Mongolia Information Park

  • Location: Hohhot, China
  • Size: 994,000 m² (10.7 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: 150 MW

China Telecom’s Inner Mongolia Information Park is the largest data centre in the world, measured by floor space. Located in a cooler area, it relies on state-of-the-art cold-climate cooling, consuming less energy to handle ample storage and processing jobs. This cavernous facility is a significant cog in China’s cloud services and telecom networks. The park itself is vast and city-like, with infrastructure to support thousands of servers running full throttle 24/7.

2. Switch – The Citadel (Tahoe Reno Campus)

  • Location: Nevada, USA
  • Size: 669,000 m² (7.2 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: Up to 650 MW

Switch’s Citadel in Reno is a mechanical wonder. The company’s power capacity is one of the largest in the world, serving hyperscale clients that require vast computing capacity. The campus is famous for its security, modern design and green energy utilisation. The Citadel’s modular campus-based design means it can be extended, witho

3. Harbin Data Centre (China Mobile)

  • Location: Harbin, China
  • Size: 660,000 m² (7.1 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: 200 MW

Harbin’s Data Centre benefits from one of the coldest climates among large-scale facilities, which significantly reduces cooling costs. Operated by China Mobile, it plays a vital role in supporting China’s internet infrastructure, cloud computing, and telecom services. Its combination of massive capacity and environmental efficiency reflects a growing trend toward sustainable mega data centre design.

4. Range International Information Hub

  • Location: Langfang, Hebei, China
  • Size: 585,000 m² (6.3 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: 150 MW

The Range International Hub is a key player in China’s data centre industry. It’s located near Beijing and serves as a hub for cloud services, big data, and AI processing. The cooler climate of Langfang helps reduce energy expenses, and the building features innovative cooling methods to maintain efficiency. It illustrates how geography can shape economics for data centre operations.

5. Switch – Las Vegas Core Campus (“SuperNAP”)

  • Location: Nevada, USA
  • Size: 325,000 m² (3.5 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: Up to 495 MW

Switch’s Las Vegas Core Campus is one of the most advanced, high-density server environments in the world, featuring a massive degree of efficiency. It’s designed to handle high-density computing workloads with an unprecedented level of reliability. SuperNAP offers the highest levels of security, energy efficiency and modularity. It’s built for maximum uptime and has the reliability that large companies with serious requirements are looking for.

6. Google Data Center

  • Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA
  • Size: 269,000 m² (2.9 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: 100+ MW

Council Bluffs is one of Google’s largest data centres and a hub for global operations. A leader in the field of innovation, Google also leverages alternative energy sources and cutting-edge cooling techniques to minimise its environmental footprint. The facility is home to everything from search, cloud computing and AI workloads, representing Google’s dedication to scale, speed and sustainability.

7. Vantage Cardiff (ex-NGD CWL1)

  • Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK
  • Size: 186,000 m² (2.0 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: 148 MW

Vantage’s data centre in Cardiff is Europe’s largest by power capacity, and one of the largest by floor area. Because it is in a cooler climate, the facility utilises advanced cooling systems and is constructed for hyperscale cloud providers. Cardiff’s location at the heart of major global networks, along with its density of high-growth companies, positions it as a gateway to digital services across Europe.

8. NSA Utah Data Centre

  • Location: Bluffdale, Utah, USA
  • Size: 93,000 m² (1.0 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: 65 MW

The NSA Utah Data Centre is a data storage and analysis facility designed to store large amounts of data at an unprecedented scale. Although much of its work is classified, it’s known for storing data on a scale few facilities can rival. It serves as a reminder of the need for secure, high-capacity spaces in government and intelligence operations.

9. Apple Mesa Data Center

  • Location: Mesa, Arizona, USA
  • Size: 121,000 m² (1.3 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: Not disclosed

Apple’s Mesa campus is part of the company’s commitment to using only renewable energy and taking measures to mitigate its environmental impact. The data centre, which is entirely powered by renewable sources, powers Apple’s cloud services, including iCloud storage and operations in all markets. Its architecture is a testament to the support for sustainability and large-scale infrastructure that Apple takes pride in.

10. Lakeside Technology Centre

  • Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Size: 105,000 m² (1.13 million ft²)
  • Power Capacity: 100+ MW

Lakeside Technology Centre is among the largest commercial data centres in the world. It has strong interconnect capabilities and acts as a significant hub for cloud providers and large enterprises. Lakeside is also a case study in transforming an industrial space into modern IT infrastructure, highlighting how urban data centres are evolving.

Comparison & insights

As the digital world continues to evolve, hyperscale data centres remain central to the growing demand for AI, cloud computing, and high-performance services. These vast facilities are continuously evolving, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies for cooling, power optimisation, and capacity management.

However, while the scale and power of these centres are undeniably impressive, they are not always the perfect fit for every business. Many businesses require more than just raw capacity; they need flexibility and a personalised service, two things that large-scale providers often struggle to offer. For businesses with specific needs, a more tailored approach is crucial.

The future of data centres

Hyperscale data centres remain central to the growing demand for AI, cloud computing, and high-performance services. These vast facilities are continuously evolving, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies for cooling, power optimisation, and capacity management.

However, while the scale and power of these centres are undeniably impressive, they are not always the perfect fit for every business. Many businesses require more than just raw capacity; they need flexibility and a personalised service, two things that large-scale providers often struggle to offer. For businesses with specific needs, a more tailored approach is crucial.

At Datum, we provide exactly that: a bespoke solution, centred around collaboration and flexibility, to ensure your infrastructure is aligned with your unique needs. Our model prioritises strong partnerships and customisable solutions, offering businesses the right balance of flexibility, efficiency, and growth.

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