Why the data center you dread might never even be built
AI Why the data center you dread might never even be built Theresa Loconsolo Rebecca Bellan Tim De Chant 12:15 PM PST · November 11, 2026 31 min Loading the…
Summary
AI Why the data center you dread might never even be built Theresa Loconsolo Rebecca Bellan Tim De Chant 12:15 PM PST · November 11, 2026 31 min Loading the player… The data center boom is running into serious real-world obstacles, from widespread local opposition and permitting delays to a scramble for electricity. Before those challenges even come into play, though, there’s a more basic problem: A lot of the projects being announced may never get built in the first place. With billions of dollars in AI infrastructure investment at stake, separating realistic projects from speculative ones is becoming increasingly important. On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Rebecca Bellan and Tim De Chant are joined by Brent Nelson, senior managing director of markets and strategy at Ascend Analytics, to separate the data center projects that are likely to get built from the ones that may never get off the ground.
Positives
- The report adds a new data point to the technology market.
- The development may create new product, research, or competitive opportunities.
Risks & concerns
- AI Why the data center you dread might never even be built Theresa Loconsolo Rebecca Bellan Tim De Chant 12:15 PM PST · November 11, 2026 31 min Loading the player… The data center boom is running into serious real-world obstacles, from widespread local opposition and permitting delays to a scramble for electricity.
- Before those challenges even come into play, though, there’s a more basic problem: A lot of the projects being announced may never get built in the first place.