Prysmian’s Strategy for Asia-Pacific Data Centre Expansion

As Asia-Pacific accelerates its energy transition and digital expansion, Prysmian is reinforcing its long-term role in supporting the infrastructure that underpins modern data centres. 

With five decades of continuous operations in Singapore, the cable solutions provider is positioning itself to meet the rising power, connectivity and sustainability requirements of AI-driven facilities across the region.

"We are working in Europe, in LatAm and APAC to become more relevant, to become more engaged with the go-to-market, with a proper supply chain to win more share in the data centre space," Massimo Battaini, CEO of Prysmian, told investors in a recent earnings call.

The company’s global presence spans power grids, renewable energy systems and digital networks, all of which intersect with the fast-growing data centre sector. As hyperscale and enterprise operators expand across Southeast Asia and beyond, reliable and efficient cabling is becoming a critical enabler of performance and resilience.

AI data centres reshape infrastructure demand

The rapid growth of AI data centres is driving structural change in infrastructure requirements. These facilities demand significantly higher power density, advanced digital connectivity and dependable thermal performance to support intensive compute workloads.

At the same time, supply chain constraints are adding pressure. Scarcity of key raw materials – particularly copper – is affecting costs and availability. This is reflected across the wider technology ecosystem, where the prices of components such as solid-state drives and graphics processing units have risen by up to 30%, largely due to AI-related demand.

For data centre developers and operators, this combination of rising demand and constrained supply is sharpening the focus on infrastructure solutions that maximise efficiency while reducing material use. Cabling systems are a key part of that equation, influencing power delivery, space utilisation and long-term operating costs.

Engineering innovation for high-density facilities

In response, Prysmian has continued to advance cable technologies designed to balance performance, efficiency and sustainability.

In Southeast Asia, the company has introduced a new power cable design capable of delivering the same power as conventional cables while using less copper and featuring a smaller overall diameter.

This design has already been deployed in major data centres in other regions and is tailored for high-density environments. It is enabled by advanced optimisation of insulation and sheathing materials, allowing safe operation at temperatures up to 110 degrees Celsius compared with the industry norm of 90 degrees Celsius.

Discussing Prysmian’s partnership with Relativity Networks, Frederick Persson, Executive Vice President of Digital Solutions, said: “Prysmian has long been a global champion in setting the standard in the field of fiber optics, and our cutting-edge solutions are always evolving to meet the demands of our customers.

“This, combined with Relativity Networks’ technology, will enable both our companies to lead the global market for hollow-core fiber well into the future – a hugely significant area of focus as we work to accelerate in order to meet the demands emerging from data centres and AI applications worldwide."

Reduced copper usage lowers the carbon footprint associated with production and helps mitigate material cost pressures. Smaller and lighter cables simplify transport and installation, while a reduced bending radius supports tighter layouts and more efficient use of space within white and grey areas.

Supporting faster deployment and scalability

Space efficiency and speed of deployment are increasingly important as data centres scale to meet AI workloads. Prysmian’s cable innovations are designed to support these priorities, particularly in urban and high-density locations where floor space is at a premium.

Easier installation and reduced space requirements can shorten build timelines and support phased expansion strategies. This is especially relevant in Asia-Pacific markets where demand is rising quickly and operators are looking to bring capacity online as efficiently as possible.

Manufacturing capability within the region also plays a role. Prysmian’s facility in Rayong, Thailand, which specialises in low voltage cable production, supports regional electrification needs alongside growing data centre demand. Combined with its Singapore hub, this local footprint enables faster delivery and closer alignment with customer requirements.

Scale and regional commitment

Prysmian’s ability to support data centre growth is underpinned by its global scale, including 107 plants, 27 R&D centres and more than 33,000 employees. In 2024, the group reported revenues exceeding €17bn (US$20.2bn), reflecting its reach across energy and digital infrastructure markets.

Singapore remains a central business and distribution hub for Asia-Pacific, supporting customers with high-performance cable solutions.

Beyond data centres, Prysmian is also involved in early-stage engineering and feasibility work on cross-border power connectivity projects, which could strengthen regional grid resilience and support future digital growth.

Sustainability and long-term planning

Sustainability is closely tied to Prysmian’s technology roadmap. The company has set a target for 55% of revenue to come from sustainable products and solutions by 2028 and has committed to achieving Net Zero across its operations and value chain by 2035.

For data centre operators facing their own carbon reduction targets, supplier alignment on sustainability is becoming a practical consideration rather than a branding exercise. Efficient cabling that reduces material use and supports lower losses can contribute directly to operational and embodied carbon goals.

As AI data centres continue to reshape power and connectivity demand across Asia-Pacific, Prysmian’s focus on local capability, material efficiency and scalable design positions it as a key supplier for the next phase of regional data centre development.

Data Centre LIVE: The London Summit

Interested in learning more?

Join us at Exhibition White City in London on May 20-21 for Data Centre LIVE: The London Summit. The Design and Build panel discussion will feature Charlotte Berry Selwood, Chief Delivery Officer at AVK, and Abed Jishi, Chief Technology Officer at hscale.

Attendees will gain practical insight from industry experts, hear real-world case studies and connect with peers and key decision-makers who are turning heads in the future of data centres.

Click here to guarantee your ticket for this unmissable event.