Artificial intelligence (AI) data centers are being built at an unprecedented pace. There are more than 12,000 active projects in the U.S. currently seeking grid interconnection representing 1,570 GW of generator capacity and 1,030 GW of energy storage. Analyst firm Omdia predicts that AI will drive more than 50% of installed power generation capacity over the next five years.

A survey of energy industry stakeholders by Black & Veach found that lack of power was the biggest issue standing in the way of AI ambitions. 53% of utilities cited available power as the top obstacle to getting data centers online, with transmission (47%) and substation upgrades (46%) close behind.

Read more in Power Magazine here.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.