Grid transformers, solar, and power infrastructure enabling the AI data center buildout.
Of ~140 large US data center projects representing 12 GW of capacity planned for 2026, only one-third are under construction. The remainder are blocked by grid connection delays and transformer lead times now stretching to 3–5 years — in an industry that deploys in 18-month cycles. More than half of planned 2026 US data center capacity is projected delayed or cancelled.
Hyperscalers are signing the largest solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) in history to power AI data centers. Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta collectively contracted for 50+ GW of new renewable energy in 2025–2026, with solar representing ~60% of those commitments. AI data center power demand is the single largest driver of new US solar deployments.