Nowadays, humanity generates over 2.5 million terabytes of data daily. This volume is expected to increase further in the future, as the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand. Specialized facilities called data centers (DCs) are designed to store and manage such vast amounts of information. Their capacity and physical footprint are growing regularly.
The development of machine learning and artificial intelligence has made our world increasingly data-driven. Currently, there are over 11,800 data centers worldwide, not 7 million. These centers vary greatly in size and computing power, serving both industrial-scale operations and smaller, localized needs.
10 Largest DCs in the World
Here are the most prominent DCs found around the world.
China Telecom Data Center
Occupying 10,763,910 square feet and located in China, this is one of the largest server rack rooms in the world. The data center in Hohhot is recognized as one of the most significant facilities for data storage and processing globally. It handles a large portion of China’s data, although not exactly 50%. The facility has over 450 subdivisions across the country, and the main facility covers an area of 100 hectares.
The DC provides cloud computing, telecommunication, and financial services, with major clients like Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in China’s growing digital economy and supports various government and enterprise applications.
China Telecom’s infrastructure is also key to providing 5G connectivity across the country, contributing to the development of smart cities and IoT solutions.
Additionally, the company participates in “green” projects, implementing measures to reduce energy and water consumption, with a significant portion of its energy coming from renewable sources. The data center also employs advanced cooling technologies, including natural cooling methods, which take advantage of the region’s low temperatures, further reducing environmental impact.
China Mobile
Here’s another of the largest data centers in the world, located in China. This data center occupies an area of 7,750,015 square feet, making it one of the largest in the world. The facility spans 106 hectares and is designed to accommodate over 400,000 server racks.
It provides enterprises with a wide range of services, including cloud data storage, R&D for 5G technologies, centralized network management, and advanced solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, China Mobile’s data center supports large-scale AI and big data applications, playing a crucial role in the development of smart cities and digital infrastructure.
The facility also plays a key part in China’s 5G rollout, providing the backbone for high-speed communication networks across the country.
The Citadel Campus
This is one of the largest data centers in the world, located in the USA. The data center is based in Las Vegas and occupies an area of 7,750,015 square feet. Switch, a leading service provider, is the owner of the facility, which has patented over 260 technologies in the field of network and IT development, particularly focusing on infrastructure and energy efficiency.
Due to the ownership of such a reputable provider, the facility features the following:
- 100% clean energy index, with a significant portion sourced from renewable energy.
- 24/7 functioning DDoS attack mitigation system to ensure continuous security.
- Tri-redundant UPS power system for ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Additionally, the Citadel Campus is known for its state-of-the-art security systems, including biometric access controls, multi-layered physical security, and advanced surveillance technologies, making it one of the most secure data centers in the world.
The facility plays a key role in supporting industries like finance, healthcare, and government by offering high-performance computing, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions. It also serves as a critical hub for cloud services, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence infrastructure, making it indispensable to businesses operating in the digital economy.
Moreover, the Citadel Campus is recognized for its focus on sustainability, employing cutting-edge cooling technologies and energy-efficient systems that significantly reduce its environmental impact.
The facility stands as one of the most prominent data centers in the United States, providing a comprehensive range of services required by companies in the IT sector, including cloud computing, data storage, and disaster recovery solutions.
CWL1 Data Centre
Located near Cardiff in Western UK, this is one of the largest data centers in Europe. The company has several dedicated offices across the country, primarily focused on meeting customer needs. The main facility spans 1,450,000 square feet, and it is designed with high reliability and efficiency in mind. The facility is characterized by:
- Well-running UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems for ensuring continuous power supply.
- Low PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness), indicating its energy efficiency and commitment to sustainability.
- 400 kV SuperGrid connection, providing a high-capacity and reliable power supply for the center.
- Compliance with Tier 3 standards, ensuring redundancy in power and cooling systems, as well as fault tolerance.
The company provides a wide range of services, including private data halls, cloud hosting, colocation options, and disaster recovery solutions, helping businesses to scale and secure their IT infrastructure. Additionally, CWL1 Data Centre is known for its focus on sustainability, with green initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.
Apple’s Mesa Data Center
This is one of the largest data centers owned by Apple. Originally, the solar power facility was built by First Solar Inc., and later, Apple invested $2 billion to develop and operate the data center. The DC is located in Mesa, Arizona, and occupies 1,300,000 square feet.
The facility is designed to handle massive data processing tasks, store vast amounts of information, and provide network-related services.
The location is ideal for a green data center, featuring a 300-acre solar power plant that generates 50 MW of capacity to power the entire facility. This renewable energy source is a key part of Apple’s sustainability efforts.
Lakeside Technology Center
Located in the USA, Lakeside Technology Center is one of the most significant data centers owned by Digital Realty, an investment trust that owns over 280 data centers globally. This facility spans 1,100,000 square feet and primarily serves financial institutions worldwide, processing sensitive financial data with high-security standards.
The facility features a unique cooling strategy, utilizing an 8.5-million gallon tank filled with a chilled brine-like substance. This liquid circulates through pipes, cooling server rooms and maintaining optimal conditions for equipment. It also houses 3 electric power feeds capable of generating more than 100 MW of power.
Utah Data Center
The Utah Data Center plays a critical role in supporting the Intelligence Community in the United States, especially the National Security Agency (NSA), to safeguard intellectual property and national security data. The center spans 1,000,000 square feet and houses essential infrastructure, including energy generators, chiller plants, and fire suppression systems.
QTS: Atlanta Metro
This data center occupies 990,000 square feet and houses both the main unit and all supplementary bodies. The main building consists of multiple server rooms and accommodates 24 independent UPS systems and 46 generators.
QTS: Atlanta Metro offers a wide range of services, including cloud data storage, colocation, and custom data center solutions. Advanced climate control systems ensure optimal operating conditions by monitoring temperature, pressure, humidity, and other essential parameters.
Tulip Data Center
Located in India, the Tulip Data Center is one of the largest and most advanced multi-tier facilities in the region, covering an area of 970,000 square feet. The center generates 100 MW of power and can accommodate up to 12,000 racks.
This facility aims to make data center services more accessible in India, providing efficient systems that can handle tasks of varying complexity. It is considered the greenest data center in India, recognized for its energy efficiency and ability to save over 30 MW of power at full capacity.
CoreSite Reston VA3
Located in Northern Virginia, CoreSite Reston VA3 is part of CoreSite Realty Corporation, a leading provider of data centers in the USA. The facility spans 940,000 square feet and provides capacity for cloud services, network performance, and high-performance computing.
It is equipped with advanced environmental control systems, integrated ventilation solutions, and optical cooling technologies. This facility guarantees secure data storage and high standards of performance, making it one of the most reliable data centers in the United States.
Comparison Table of the Largest Data Centers in the World
Below is a comparison table of the largest data centers globally, showcasing information about their location, area, energy sources, key clients, and unique features.
| Data Center | Location | Area (sq ft) | Server Racks | Energy Source | Key Clients | Special Features |
| China Telecom Data Center | Hohhot, China | 10,763,910 | Not specified | Renewable energy, natural cooling | Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu | Supports 5G, IoT, cloud computing, green projects |
| China Mobile | China | 7,750,015 | 400,000+ | Not specified | Not specified | 5G, AI, big data, IoT, advanced cooling technologies |
| The Citadel Campus | Las Vegas, USA | 7,750,015 | Not specified | 100% clean energy | Not specified | Advanced security, DDoS mitigation, sustainability focus |
| CWL1 Data Centre | Cardiff, UK | 1,450,000 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Tier 3 standards, low PUE, green initiatives |
| Apple’s Mesa Data Center | Mesa, Arizona, USA | 1,300,000 | Not specified | 300-acre solar power plant, 50 MW capacity | Not specified | Sustainability, 100% solar-powered |
| Lakeside Technology Center | USA | 1,100,000 | Not specified | Not specified | Financial institutions | Chilled brine cooling, 100 MW power capacity |
| Utah Data Center | Utah, USA | 1,000,000 | Not specified | Not specified | NSA, Intelligence Community | Supports national security data, high security standards |
| QTS: Atlanta Metro | Atlanta, USA | 990,000 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Advanced climate control, UPS and generator systems |
| Tulip Data Center | India | 970,000 | 12,000 | 100 MW, green energy | Not specified | Greenest in India, 30 MW energy savings at full capacity |
| CoreSite Reston VA3 | Northern Virginia, USA | 940,000 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Environmental control, optical cooling technologies |