Satellites play a vital role in connecting underserved people in inaccessible places. They also provide networks of last resort in extreme circumstances.

Rapid innovation in space technologies is reimagining what’s possible. There are implications for every industry—from logistics and transport to agriculture and defence—opening new markets and delivering new revenue streams.

Connect and Compute’s share of global power consumption is rising. In the United States alone, data centres will use an extra 5000 MW in 2025—about 1% of the country’s annual national use.

Meeting this demand is a huge and ongoing challenge. Access to renewable energy, like wind and solar, will guide the development of new facilities.

In an always-on world, grid distribution, capacity, and smart management are key. Adaptable storage and advanced energy solutions, such as battery infrastructure and green hydrogen, will be critical.

Smarter AI systems in data centres can optimise load balancing. More efficient chips will reduce the need for power and cooling. The very technology driving this energy demand might provide the key to managing it.

Data sovereignty is high on government agendas. Territories, nations, and enterprises are competing for their share of the huge investment in digital infrastructure. How and where data is governed will be a key consideration nationally and regionally.

We’ll see rising international competition––and tension––between the drive for national control and the need for global connectivity. This will involve constant rebalancing as governments and economic blocs build local capacity and expertise in line with their own digital agendas.