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Transforming Infrastructure

From AI to Gen Z – how infrastructure is shaping our future

“But apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, public order, (…), roads, a freshwater system, and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?” Do you remember this line from the famous movie “Life of Brian”? These are all examples of critical infrastructure.

Infrastructure is the key to unlock growth

There is a good reason why many politicians in the last 18 months have addressed the topic of infrastructure in their various electoral campaigns as infrastructure is key to the economic and social development of a country. Coverage blackspots, delayed trains, power-cuts, potholes, insufficiently equipped schools – just some of the infrastructure inadequacies many of us experience every day. Only 36% of the respondents in G7 countries in a Global Infrastructure Investor Association survey carried out in 32 countries in 2025 stated that they are very/fairly satisfied with their national infrastructure.1 There is much room for improvement in many areas, from digitalization to housing, from EV charging to roads and trains. But infrastructure is not only about the provision of essential services to the public. Infrastructure is also at the core of the efforts Europe needs to make to remain competitive. A recent report by the former ECB president Mario Draghi to the European Commission pointed out that in order to stay competitive investments of an average EUR 800bn annually are needed with a primary focus on digitalization and decarbonization.2

The 3Ds

Energy transition, Green infrastructure & Mobility

Green hydrogen is a key factor in decarbonizing the industry

70% of global investments in the energy transition should go into the power sector6

USD 150 tn investments needed in green technologies by 20503

Data, AI & Infrastructure

20-fold increase in global internet traffic over the past 15 years9

AI & Big Data are driving energy demand – sustainable solutions are needed

Data centers, fiber networks, mobile towers are key investment areas

Aging society & Infrastructure needs

1.4 bn people will be over 60 years old by 203012

Labor shortages due to an aging workforce threaten economic stability

Investments in education, student housing & healthcare are crucial for the future

The 3Ds shape the transformation of our world.
Investments in green energy, digital infrastructure, and social adaptations are crucial to overcoming future challenges.
D LIKE DECARBONIZATION
Energy grids, renewables, and transport

The energy transition is top of the agenda of many countries and companies worldwide who have taken measures to reduce carbon emissions and transform their energy policies and business models. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, investments of USD 150 trillion in transition technologies and infrastructure by 2050 are needed in the 1.5°C scenario, which equates to USD 5.3 trillion per year on average.3 The decarbonisation of several sectors comes with a rising need for green energy and investments. Currently around 25% of global CO2 emissions come from the cement, steel and fertiliser industries.4 Green hydrogen derived from using renewable electricity to hydrolyse water will be critical in helping to decarbonise these sectors. But more (green) energy needs more renewable power plants, more powerful energy grids with decentralised access points, and more storage capacity. Today´s infrastructure is just not ready for this transformation yet. More than 40% of Europe´s energy grids are older than 40 years and more.5 Huge efforts are currently being made both by politicians, authorities, and industry to build the infrastructure of tomorrow that can generate more green energy, transport it and store it. 

According to the Energy Transition Commission, around 70% of the investments needed for the energy transition worldwide should flow to the power sector estimating an annual investment need of USD 2.4tn by 2050.6 Furthermore, these investments will not only contribute to the safety of energy supply which has become an essential topic especially in Europe but cross-border energy infrastructure projects such as interconnectors can also help to lower energy costs by EUR 9bn per year until 2040.7

Another significant lever for the energy transition is the transport sector which accounts for 25% of all greenhouse emissions worldwide.8 Of these transport-related emissions, around 72% are generated by road vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles.8 The electrification of transport, more green fuels, and more EV charging infrastructure can bring about change. Furthermore, more attractive alternative means of transport are needed to promote the shift to rail and public transport. 

D LIKE DIGITALIZATION
AI, data centres, and fibre 

It is not just since the pandemic and the proliferation of home working that digital infrastructure has become regarded as critical infrastructure. Additionally, the range of digital infrastructure, from fibre networks to data centers, from mobile towers to smart software solutions – has increased significantly. The telecommunications sector has seen very rapid developments in the last 20 years, and we can expect further game-changing developments with AI. In the last 15 years the number of internet users worldwide has more than doubled with global internet traffic increasing twenty-fold.9 However, in some countries in Europe the coverage with high-speed broadband is still not sufficient to cope with this level of demand, in particular in rural areas. Data is becoming critical for everyday functions, it needs to be stored, and more data is created every day. AI will further accelerate this development with more and more applications leveraging off AI. With more digitalization comes more data that requires more storage and processing capacity in data centers, which leads to more investment opportunities worldwide. Today, the majority of investments in digital infrastructure is made in Europe (ca 30%),10 North America (ca 45%),10 and parts of the Asia-Pacific region (ca 20%).10

But the digital sector is also a complex one to enter for institutional investors. Investors need to anticipate trends and developments, stay on top of innovations and closely monitor which technology might prevail. Just recently, we have seen AI markets reel from the new entry of DeepSeek purporting to deliver AI solutions at a fraction of the cost of existing algorithms.

The rise of data centers, fibre networks, mobile towers, and IT solutions results in higher energy consumption. Certain digital assets are increasingly needing more power such as AI etc. Moreover, bitcoins etc. which are completely useless consume more energy than some small countries.11 To reconcile the need for decarbonization with accelerated digitalization is an important aspect of the transformation. Digital services and tools such as smart meter solutions can also help to make better use of energy and support decarbonization efforts. Many big tech companies try to address this environmental challenge by agreeing with renewable energy providers to supply them with green energy. Alternatively, they can further develop cooling and other storage technologies at a lower energy efficiency consumption which could lead to further investment opportunities in the surrounding digital sector. 

Figure 1: Data is power hungry

Source: Masanet et al. (2020), Cisco, IEA, Goldman Sachs Research

D LIKE DEMOGRAPHICS
An aging society and its challenges

By 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years old or over and the share of population they account for will rise from one billion now to 1.4 billion. The retirement of the boomer generation – those born between 1946–1964 will have a large impact on many regions.12 An aging and longer-living society will require more elderly care, different housing, and healthcare. Furthermore, countries already need to cope with the challenge of a changing and lower workforce in the long run to manage the green and digital transformation. A growing and aging population needs to be met by a stable and resilient core infrastructure e.g. energy and water utilities and communications as well as sanitary services. An aging population cannot be served by an aging infrastructure.13

There is already a shortage of elderly care today and utilities use sewage systems, energy grids, and communication networks that are already at their capacity limits. Telemedicine can support elderly people in the countryside to remain independent as long as they can. A prerequisite is a modern health system and a powerful fibre network. To overcome the demographic challenge, we believe that it is crucial to invest both in the aging workforce to stay healthy and on top of technological developments in the next generation and their education so that they are well prepared for future job profiles. Unfortunately, in many countries, schools are not well equipped, there is not enough accommodation for students, and educational training and medical services are not accessible for everyone. Investments in education, student housing, hospitals, digital solutions, and services as well as a stable and modern core infrastructure can help to tackle the demographic challenge for both GenZ and Gen Alpha as well as the baby boomers and retired people.14

Private capital can do more

An aging society and aging infrastructure are an immense societal challenge. While there is a huge infrastructure gap that must be bridged, countries need to bear the burden or high retirement provisions which will continue to widely impact country budgets. But national budgets are already struggling after the years of the pandemic and a new world order with higher defense spending, energy costs, and inflationary pressure. 

According to a recent report from the GIIA in the G7 countries only 26% of the respondents agree that their country is delivering national infrastructure projects well.15 Private capital, whether from large institutional investors, from countries investing on behalf of their policyholders, or from retail clients accessing private markets through vehicles such as the European Long-Term Investment Fund (ELTIF), can play a crucial role in the future of infrastructure investment, while also providing an element of many people´s retirement provision.

Many large institutional investors such as Allianz who have been investing in infrastructure worldwide since 2008 have a wealth of experience in investing and managing infrastructure projects and assets. Global Infrastructure polls15 reveal public concerns over climate resilience and support for private investment Institutional investors can play a pivotal role if they can find a stable political and regulatory environment. To overcome the pressing challenges of a green and digital transformation in view of the demographic trend we need to make huge efforts. And we need to make them now. By joining forces with private capital, countries can make a big leap forward, help boost the economic and financial performance, create new jobs, and invest in the future of everyone.

Figure 2: Private financial institutions could finance about 55% of net-zero investment needs (2022–2050)
Average annual investment needs for low-emission assets (in USD)

Source: Financing the net-zero transition: From planning to practice, McKinsey, January 2023

1 Global infrastructure index 2024
2 The Draghi report on EU competitiveness, 2024
3 World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023
4 Global-CCS-Institute-Fact-Sheet_Capturing-CO2.pdf
5 Actions to accelerate the roll-out of electricity grids, European Commission, 2023
6 Breaking Down the Cost of the Clean Energy Transition
7 Factsheet_EU Action Plan for Grids.pdf
8 Mobility – Energy in Transition – Powering Tomorrow, Auswärtiges Amt
9 Data centres & networks, IEA
10 Inframation, based on global deal volumes for digital infrastructure in 2024
11 How Much Energy Does Bitcoin Actually Consume? Harvard Business Review, 2021
12 Ageing and health, WHO 
13 An ageing population needs a different approach to housing and care. This is how to provide it, World Economic Forum
14 Beyond retirement: a closer look at the very old, Bruegel, 2024
15 Global infrastructure poll reveals public concerns over climate resilience and support for private investment, GIIA 

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    The views and opinions expressed herein, which are subject to change without notice, are those of the issuer or its affiliated companies at the time of publication. Certain data used are derived from various sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of the data is not guaranteed and no liability is assumed for any direct or consequential losses arising from their use. The duplication, publication, extraction or transmission of the contents, irrespective of the form, is not permitted. This material has not been reviewed by any regulatory authorities. In mainland China, it is for Qualified Domestic Institutional Investors scheme pursuant to applicable rules and regulations and is for information purpose only. This document does not constitute a public offer by virtue of Act Number 26.831 of the Argentine Republic and General Resolution No. 622/2013 of the NSC. This communication’s sole purpose is to inform and does not under any circumstance constitute promotion or publicity of Allianz Global Investors products and/or services in Colombia or to Colombian residents pursuant to part 4 of Decree 2555 of 2010. This communication does not in any way aim to directly or indirectly initiate the purchase of a product or the provision of a service offered by Allianz Global Investors. Via reception of this document, each resident in Colombia acknowledges and accepts to have contacted Allianz Global Investors via their own initiative and that the communication under no circumstances does not arise from any promotional or marketing activities carried out by Allianz Global Investors. Colombian residents accept that accessing any type of social network page of Allianz Global Investors is done under their own responsibility and initiative and are aware that they may access specific information on the products and services of Allianz Global Investors. This communication is strictly private and confidential and may not be reproduced, except for the case of explicit permission by Allianz Global Investors. This communication does not constitute a public offer of securities in Colombia pursuant to the public offer regulation set forth in Decree 2555 of 2010. This communication and the information provided herein should not be considered a solicitation or an offer by Allianz Global Investors or its affiliates to provide any financial products in Brazil, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. In Australia, this material is presented by Allianz Global Investors Asia Pacific Limited (“AllianzGI AP”) and is intended for the use of investment consultants and other institutional /professional investors only, and is not directed to the public or individual retail investors. AllianzGI AP is not licensed to provide financial services to retail clients in Australia. AllianzGI AP is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian Foreign Financial Service License under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) pursuant to ASIC Class Order (CO 03/1103) with respect to the provision of financial services to wholesale clients only. AllianzGI AP is licensed and regulated by Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission under Hong Kong laws, which differ from Australian laws.

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    • Allianz Global Investors Fund (“AGIF”) as an umbrella fund under the UCITS regulations has within it different sub-funds investing in fixed income securities, equities, and derivative instruments, each with a different investment objective and/or risk profile.

    • All sub-funds (“Sub-Funds”) may invest in financial derivative instruments (“FDI”) which may expose to higher leverage, counterparty, liquidity, valuation, volatility, market and over the counter transaction risks. A Sub-Fund’s net derivative exposure may be up to 50% of its NAV. 

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    • Some Sub-Funds may invest in single countries or industry sectors (in particular small/mid cap companies) which may reduce risk diversification. Some Sub-Funds are exposed to significant risks which include investment/general market, country and region, emerging market (such as Mainland China), creditworthiness/credit rating/downgrading, default, asset allocation, interest rate, volatility and liquidity, counterparty, sovereign debt, valuation, credit rating agency, company-specific, currency  (in particular RMB), RMB debt securities and Mainland China tax risks. 

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    • Some Sub-Funds may invest a significant portion of the assets in interest-bearing securities issued or guaranteed by a non-investment grade sovereign issuer (e.g. Philippines) and is subject to higher risks of liquidity, credit, concentration and default of the sovereign issuer as well as greater volatility and higher risk profile that may result in significant losses to the investors. 

    • Some Sub-Funds may invest in European countries. The economic and financial difficulties in Europe may get worse and adversely affect the Sub-Funds (such as increased volatility, liquidity and currency risks associated with investments in Europe).

    • Some Sub-Funds may invest in the China A-Shares market, China B-Shares market and/or debt securities directly  via the Stock Connect or the China Interbank Bond Market or Bond Connect and or other foreign access regimes and/or other permitted means and/or indirectly through all eligible instruments the qualified foreign institutional investor program regime and thus is subject to the associated risks (including quota limitations, change in rule and regulations, repatriation of the Fund’s monies, trade restrictions, clearing and settlement, China market volatility and uncertainty, China market volatility and uncertainty, potential clearing and/or settlement difficulties and, change in economic, social and political policy in the PRC and taxation Mainland China tax risks).  Investing in RMB share classes is also exposed to RMB currency risks and adverse impact on the share classes due to currency depreciation.

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    • Investment involves risks that could result in loss of part or entire amount of investors’ investment.

    • In making investment decisions, investors should not rely solely on this [website/material].

    Note: Dividend payments may, at the sole discretion of the Investment Manager, be made out of the Sub-Fund’s capital or effectively out of the Sub-Fund’s capital which represents a return or withdrawal of part of the amount investors originally invested and/or capital gains attributable to the original investment. This may result in an immediate decrease in the NAV per share and the capital of the Sub-Fund available for investment in the future and capital growth may be reduced, in particular for hedged share classes for which the distribution amount and NAV of any hedged share classes (HSC) may be adversely affected by differences in the interests rates of the reference currency of the HSC and the base currency of the respective Sub-Fund. Dividend payments are applicable for Class A/AM/AMg/AMi/AMgi/AQ Dis (Annually/Monthly/Quarterly distribution) and for reference only but not guaranteed.  Positive distribution yield does not imply positive return. For details, please refer to the Sub-Fund’s distribution policy disclosed in the offering documents.


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    • Allianz Global Investors Asia Fund (the “Trust”) is an umbrella unit trust constituted under the laws of Hong Kong pursuant to the Trust Deed. Allianz Thematic Income and Allianz Selection Income and Growth and Allianz Yield Plus Fund are the sub-funds of the Trust (each a “Sub-Fund”) investing in fixed income securities, equities and derivative instrument, each with a different investment objective and/or risk profile.

    • Some Sub-Funds are exposed to significant risks which include investment/general market, company-specific, emerging market, creditworthiness/credit rating/downgrading, default, volatility and liquidity, valuation, sovereign debt, thematic concentration, thematic-based investment strategy, counterparty, interest rate changes, country and region, asset allocation risks and currency (such as exchange controls, in particular RMB), and the adverse impact on RMB share classes due to currency depreciation.  

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    • Some Sub-Funds may invest in high-yield (non-investment grade and unrated) investments and/or convertible bonds which may subject to higher risks, such as volatility, creditworthiness, default, interest rate changes, general market and liquidity risks and therefore may  adversely impact the net asset value of the Fund. Convertibles may also expose to risks such as prepayment, equity movement, and greater volatility than straight bond investments.

    • All Sub-Funds may invest in financial derivative instruments (“FDI”) which may expose to higher leverage, counterparty, liquidity, valuation, volatility, market and over the counter transaction risks.  The use of derivatives may result in losses to the Sub-Funds which are greater than the amount originally invested. A Sub-Fund’s net derivative exposure may be up to 50% of its NAV.

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    Note: Dividend payments may, at the sole discretion of the Investment Manager, be made out of the Sub-Fund’s income and/or capital which in the latter case represents a return or withdrawal of part of the amount investors originally invested and/or capital gains attributable to the original investment. This may result in an immediate decrease in the NAV per distribution unit and the capital of the Sub-Fund available for investment in the future and capital growth may be reduced, in particular for hedged share classes for which the distribution amount and NAV of any hedged share classes (HSC) may be adversely affected by differences in the interests rates of the reference currency of the HSC and the base currency of the Sub-Fund. Dividend payments are applicable for Class A/AM/AMg/AMi/AMgi Dis (Annually/Monthly distribution) and for reference only but not guaranteed.  Positive distribution yield does not imply positive return. For details, please refer to the Sub-Fund’s distribution policy disclosed in the offering documents.

     

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