40% of 2026 Data Centers Risk 3-Month Delays as Community Pushback Grows

3 articles · Updated · FTI Consulting · Aug 25

Roughly 40% of data center projects due to open in 2026 risk slipping at least three months, even when power, cooling and construction plans are already in place.
From January to March 2026, 75 projects worth $130 billion were blocked or delayed, while local opposition groups jumped to 833 from 396 and lawmakers introduced 300-plus data-center bills in more than 30 states.
Developers are increasingly being tripped up by risks found too late — including historic sites, noise disputes, water use and air permits — turning issues that could shape design early into schedule-breaking fights.
A 12-to-18 month stall on a $1 billion build can burn $70 million to $105 million before revenue starts, underscoring why community and regulatory checks now need to sit alongside technical reviews at each project gate.
With 77% of capacity under construction already tied to a tenant or owner, missed opening dates now carry direct financial and public costs, making early outreach a core scheduling tool rather than a public-relations add-on.