Last updated: 27.06.2025
What is a Data Centre?
A data centre is a facility designed to host essential IT infrastructure for storing, processing, and distributing digital data. These physical data centers support a wide range of digital services, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, finance, and streaming, by enabling secure, high-performance, and continuous operations.
The growing digital economy has increased demand for such infrastructure, making data centres vital for both public and private sectors.
While major European markets – Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin (FLAPD) – have traditionally dominated, regulatory and environmental constraints are driving interest in alternative locations. Poland, particularly Warsaw, is emerging as a key market due to rising demand, supportive conditions, and initiatives like the national cloud.
Is there a Definition of Data Center in Poland?
Although Polish legislation does not currently define „data centre” in legal terms, they are generally recognized as specialized commercial properties. They house server racks, networking and telecommunications equipment, and large-scale data storage, all supported by systems for power supply, cooling, fire protection, and physical and cybersecurity.
Types of Data Centers in Poland
The Polish data center landscape includes various types of data centers, reflecting both their functional purpose and regulatory classification under construction and zoning law.
Among the most common are:
- Enterprise data center: A privately owned and managed physical facility, typically supporting internal operations of a single organization. These facilities may form part of a larger own data center strategy and often include customized data center infrastructure and data center management systems.
- Colocation data centers: Facilities where multiple clients lease dedicated space and share access to core power and cooling, security systems, and network infrastructure. These data center services are prominent in metropolitan areas such as Warsaw.
- Cloud data centers and public cloud data centers: Operated by a cloud services provider or cloud providers, these facilities offer elastic, remote access to computing resources and are tightly integrated with cloud computing data centers.
- Edge data centers and micro data center units: Deployed at the edge of networks to reduce latency, these physical data centers support time-sensitive applications and are increasingly important in regional expansion.
- Hyperscale data centers: Large-scale, high-density facilities designed to host extensive data center equipment, storage infrastructure, and data center resources, typically developed by global tech operators.
- Traditional data centers: Conventional single data center models, often used for legacy or on premises data centers, with fixed data center tiers of availability and redundancy.
- Green data centers and sustainable data centers: Facilities designed to minimize environmental impact, improve data center efficiency, and comply with new EU ESG standards. These centres prioritize low power usage effectiveness, heat recovery, and renewable energy sourcing.
Each data center facility may vary in terms of scale, ownership, design, and legal requirements. Regardless of type, all must adhere to applicable planning, construction, and environmental provisions under Polish and EU law. Investors should consider whether the project involves a dedicated data center or multiple data centers, as this affects classification, permitting, and reporting obligations.
Data Centre Statistics in Poland
As of early 2024, Poland hosts approximately 112 operational data centres, including 65 with a floor area exceeding 200 square metres. Warsaw is the leading hub, with around 28 third-party colocation facilities. Other cities such as Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań also contribute to national capacity, supporting a trend toward regional diversification.
Poland’s total commercial data centre space now exceeds 119,000 square metres, with an additional 50,000 square metres under construction. Growth is driven by demand for digital services and cloud infrastructure.
By 2030, Poland’s data centre power capacity is projected to exceed 500 megawatts – nearly triple current levels-highlighting the country’s growing role in Europe’s digital infrastructure.
Legal Aspects of Data Centre Development in Poland
| Aspect | Details |
| Legal Definition | No legal definition; treated as specialized commercial properties |
| Zoning Framework | No explicit zoning category; case-by-case interpretation required |
| Environmental Assessment | Required for large or environmentally sensitive projects |
| Planning (Zoning) Decision | Mandatory if no MPZP; valid only until end of 2025 |
| Building Permit | Required for all new builds; must follow zoning and environmental decisions |
| Occupancy Permit | Always required for service buildings; conditional for warehouse-type |
| Building Classification | Category XVII (service) or XVIII (industrial/storage), depending on use |
| Utility Arrangements | Formal agreements required during zoning/building permit stage |
| Technological Fit-Out | May not be covered under permit; requires careful coordination |
| Energy Grid Connection | Connection process can take 1–3 years, with long lead times for approvals |
| ESG Compliance | Mandatory under EU law; includes energy use and sustainability indicators |
| EU Reporting Regulation | Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1364, effective 6 June 2024 |
Is there a data center regulation in Poland?
Polish law currently lacks dedicated regulations for data centres. As a result, their development falls under general commercial real estate rules, including those for spatial planning, zoning, environmental protection, and infrastructure access.
Basic formal steps to establish a data centre in Poland
Establishing a data centre in Poland involves the following key administrative steps:
- Environmental Decision (if required): Needed for large-scale projects or those near protected areas. Although the statutory deadline is 30–60 days, issuance may take up to 6 months.
- Zoning Decision (WZ): Required if no Local Master Plan (MPZP) is in place. The statutory deadline is 90 days, but it can extend up to 9 months in practice.
- Building Permit: Mandatory for construction. While the law allows 65 days for issuance, the process may take up to 6 months.
- Occupancy Permit: Needed post-construction to begin operations. Legally due in 30–60 days, but often takes up to 3 months.
- Utility Arrangements: Formal agreements with electricity, water, and telecom providers are essential and typically secured during the zoning or building permit stages.
Early coordination with authorities and utility providers is critical to avoid delays and ensure compliance.
What are the location and zoning requirements for data centers in Poland?
Data centres are not explicitly categorized under the Spatial Planning and Development Act (SPDA) or related regulations.
As a result there is no clear legal classification for data centres in current zoning or planning frameworks, requiring case-by-case interpretation and consultation with local authorities. No binding court rulings have clarified their status, leaving investors to navigate a legally uncertain landscape.
As a result establishment of data center:
- In areas with a local spatial development plan (MPZP) – location requires individual evaluation – as there is certain ambiguity whether data centres align with designated land uses.
- In areas where there is no local spatial development plan (MPZP), a zoning decision (WZ) is required – an option that will only remain valid until the end of 2025. Even then, determining compliance with the “good neighbourliness” rule remains subjective.
Environmental Aspects of Data Centres in Poland
A key legal instrument governing environmental compliance in Poland is the Act of 3 October 2008 on Access to Information on the Environment and its Protection, Public Participation in Environmental Protection, and Environmental Impact Assessments (AAIE).
Under this Act, certain projects must obtain a decision on environmental conditions (commonly referred to as an environmental decision) prior to applying for either a zoning decision (WZ) or a building permit.
When Is an Environmental Decision Required?
In general, small- to medium-sized data centres-particularly those not located near environmentally sensitive areas – are unlikely to generate significant environmental impacts. Consequently, these projects typically do not require an environmental decision.
However, for larger-scale data centres, or those situated in environmentally protected zones, a more detailed evaluation is necessary to determine whether such a decision is required.
According to the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 10 September 2019, projects are categorized into two groups:
- Projects that always have a significant environmental impact, and
- Projects that may have a significant environmental impact.
Data centres rarely fall into the first, more stringent category. However, many larger facilities may be classified under the second. A project that may have a significant impact is one for which the potential environmental effects are uncertain or context-dependent, and therefore must be individually assessed by the environmental authorities.
Key Thresholds for Environmental Assessment in Poland
The authorities will consider factors such as the size of the facility, proximity to protected natural areas (e.g., Natura 2000 sites, national parks), and the nature of the development.
Two key thresholds from the Regulation are especially relevant:
- For industrial or warehouse-type developments, an environmental decision may be required if the total built-up area (including auxiliary infrastructure) exceeds:
- 1 hectare, or
- 0.5 hectares, if located near environmentally protected areas.
- For service-type developments (a classification that many data centres can fall under if properly justified), the thresholds are higher:
- 2 hectares in areas without a local zoning plan (MPZP), or
- 4 hectares in areas covered by an MPZP, unless the site is environmentally protected.
Correctly classifying a data centre as a service development rather than an industrial or warehouse development can therefore significantly affect whether an environmental decision is necessary.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Scope and Implications
If it is determined that an environmental decision is required, the investor may also be obligated to carry out a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which includes a detailed analysis of potential environmental effects and a public consultation process. This can extend project timelines and may lead to additional conditions being imposed, including costly mitigation measures or, in rare cases, denial of project approval.
In summary, while smaller data centres typically proceed without environmental decision requirements, larger developments require a case-by-case analysis to determine whether they may impact the environment under Polish law. This determination plays a crucial role in the overall permitting and development strategy.
Key Construction Rules for Data Centres in Poland
The construction of data centres in Poland is governed by the Act of 7 July 1994 – Construction Law (CL) and related regulations.
A key consideration in the planning process is determining the appropriate building classification, as specified in the Annex to the CL. This classification affects both the permitting procedure and the legal commencement of use.
Typically, data centres are classified under one of the following categories:
- Category XVIII – Industrial and storage buildings, including warehouses and technical infrastructure.
- Category XVII – Service buildings, such as office and utility service facilities.
In most cases, Category XVIII is more appropriate due to the functional and technical similarity of data centres to warehouse-type facilities.
However, colocation centres – which serve multiple customers and offer commercial IT services- may also be classified under Category XVII.
Permitting Requirements and Utility Infrastructure in Poland
The choice of category, declared in the building permit application and confirmed by the permitting authority, determines whether an occupancy permit is required or whether notification of completion is sufficient (Article 55 CL).
Service buildings always require an occupancy permit, while warehouse-type buildings may be occupied after 14 days from notification, provided the authority raises no objection.
The construction process itself requires a valid building permit, preceded by zoning and environmental assessments where applicable. Once construction begins, the project must follow a detailed schedule and meet specific utility requirements – especially for electricity, cooling, and connectivity infrastructure.
Delays in securing utility connections and transmission parameters can significantly impact timelines and budgets.
In many cases, coordination with municipal service providers and formal agreements are necessary to ensure adequate infrastructure delivery.
Commissioning a data centre involves not only the structural completion but also technological start-up and installation of critical systems. This phase often includes equipment or configurations not explicitly covered by the building permit. Therefore, it is essential to plan the commissioning process carefully, particularly given the absence of specific legislative guidance on technological fit-out.
Given the legal and technical complexities, investors are strongly advised to engage experienced consultants and legal advisors early in the planning phase.
Special attention should be paid to environmental compliance, including permits related to noise emissions from air-handling units and air pollution from backup power generators.
In summary, while current regulations offer some flexibility, proper classification, permitting, and early coordination with utility providers are essential for a successful and timely data centre development in Poland.
Energy Supply and ESG Energy Efficiency in Data Centers in Poland
In Poland, data centres are highly energy-intensive facilities, with power demands comparable to those of a medium-sized town. Ensuring continuous and reliable access to high-capacity electricity is a critical priority in the planning and operation of any data centre.
Proximity to urban centres, grid infrastructure, and energy storage solutions can significantly support this objective. However, investors should be aware that connecting to the energy grid may take two to three years, with formal connection conditions potentially requiring over a year to obtain, especially for high-capacity applications.
Grid limitations and the need for infrastructure upgrades may also pose challenges.
ESG Reporting Obligations Under EU Law
In parallel, data centre developments are subject to increasing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) obligations, particularly under recent EU legislation.
The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1364, effective from 6 June 2024, mandates annual reporting on a range of energy performance and sustainability indicators, including:
- total energy use,
- IT power demand,
- water consumption,
- refrigerant types,
- waste heat reuse,
- and renewable energy sourcing.
The first reporting deadline was 15 September 2024, with subsequent reports due each May.
Strategic ESG Planning for Data Centres
Further, Directive (EU) 2023/1791 on energy efficiency -though not yet transposed into Polish law-requires Member States to collect and publish data on energy use, renewable sourcing, water footprint, and heat reuse in data centres. These regulations, combined with growing client expectations, are pushing operators to integrate green energy, efficient cooling systems, and waste heat recovery into project design from the outset.
To remain compliant and competitive, investors should adopt a sustainability strategy early in the planning phase, prioritising renewable energy sourcing, emissions reduction, and circular energy solutions.
FAQ: Data Center Investments in Poland
What are the types of data centers operating in Poland?
Poland hosts a wide range of types of data centers, including enterprise data centers, cloud data centers, colocation data centers, edge data centers, micro data center sites, and on premises data centers.
Most are classified as physical data centers, with data center facility standards adapted for commercial or service use.
Are there legal definitions or classifications for a data center facility in Polish law?
While Polish law lacks a formal definition of the term data center, these projects are treated as specialized commercial properties. Legally, a data center facility may be classified as a physical facility under Category XVII (service buildings) or Category XVIII (industrial/storage buildings), depending on the use and technical function of the data center infrastructure.
What are the permitting and zoning requirements for data center construction in Poland?
Each data center project must undergo several formal steps: zoning (WZ) if no MPZP exists, a building permit, and, where applicable, an environmental decision.
Data center construction must also address data center design standards and integration of cooling units, uninterruptible power supplies, and building management system elements.
What operational factors must data center operators consider for compliance?
Data center operators must secure formal agreements for utilities and ensure proper data center efficiency, power and cooling, and network infrastructure. Compliance includes planning for security systems, physical security, and the deployment of compliant data center equipment.
Are there any EU regulations impacting modern data centers in Poland?
Yes. Modern data centers are now subject to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1364, requiring annual disclosures on power usage effectiveness, data center components, and storage infrastructure. Operators must monitor enterprise data and process data in compliance with sustainability and data center management obligations.
Why is data center infrastructure management essential in Polish investment projects?
Data center infrastructure management is crucial to ensuring operational stability, legal compliance, and long-term efficiency in Polish investment projects.
Due to the complexity of power systems, cooling units, and data center security, coordinated management of physical assets and utilities must begin at the design and permitting stage.
This integrated approach supports the execution of robust security measures and enables scalable implementation aligned with EU sustainability and reporting obligations.
What should investors know about data center security and data security in Poland?
Data center security in Poland involves both physical security of the infrastructure and data security protections aligned with EU legal frameworks. Although not regulated by a single statute, these obligations are addressed through building classifications, environmental assessments, and functional zoning.
Investors must ensure that security measures are in place, particularly in data center divided developments (e.g., colocation data centers), where multiple tenants operate within the same facility. Planning should also consider risks associated with legacy systems and threats linked to early computer systems.
Why are data centers important for Poland’s digital development strategy?
Data centers important to Poland’s digital infrastructure support the growth of public and private sector services. They underpin cloud computing, finance, and national digitalization goals, enabling secure and efficient process data management.
The strategic location of Poland within Europe and rising interest in other data centers beyond Western hubs have positioned the country as a key destination for regional digital investment.
How are Polish data centers aligned with international standards or industry frameworks?
While Poland lacks a dedicated „data center act,” the development and operation of facilities often refer to international best practices, including guidelines from the Telecommunications Industry Association.
These may inform technical design, environmental planning, or data center knowledge management strategies. Investors commonly adopt recognized standards to guide operational processes and meet partner or cross-border compliance expectations.
What operational model applies to most data centers in Poland?
Most data centers in Poland follow either a colocation or cloud services provider model, offering scalable IT services to commercial tenants.
These are structured around detailed service level agreements, which define uptime, availability, support, and response standards. Ensuring clarity in SLAs is particularly important where shared infrastructure or dedicated space is involved.
