US Utilities Likely Deliver 28% of 1,066 GW Sought for AI Data Centers
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 11
US Utilities Likely Deliver 28% of 1,066 GW Sought for AI Data Centers
2 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 11
Summary
Wood Mackenzie projects US grid operators and utilities will commit to only about 28% of the 1,066 gigawatts requested for AI data center projects, leaving more than two-thirds unlikely to materialize.
The shortfall stems from what the firm calls “phantom” projects and long-shot proposals, suggesting much of the headline demand tied to the AI boom is not credible enough to secure power.
A single gigawatt equals the generating capacity of a traditional nuclear reactor, underscoring how large the gap is between requested and likely delivered electricity.
The forecast adds a new filter to an already strained market after reports that nearly half of new US AI data center builds in 2026 were delayed or canceled because power was unavailable.