Satellite and drone images reveal big delays in US data center construction
Summary
Satellite images show that nearly 40% of US data center projects may be delayed by more than three months. Problems include labor and equipment shortages, power supply challenges, and local community opposition.Key Facts
- Silicon Valley is investing heavily in large AI data centers that need electricity equal to hundreds of thousands of homes.
- Satellite data from SynMax and permit information from IIR Energy show many data centers are behind schedule.
- Major companies like Microsoft, Oracle, and OpenAI face delays due to lack of workers and materials.
- Building enough power capacity to supply these centers is difficult for utility companies.
- Tariffs on Chinese equipment like transformers have increased costs and slowed progress.
- Some companies are installing on-site power plants using natural gas turbines and mobile generators.
- Public opposition is growing, especially in Virginia, due to concerns about land use, environment, and higher electricity bills.
- Some states, like Maine, are considering or have imposed temporary bans on new large data center approvals to address these issues.
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