The data center boom faces serious real-world obstacles, including widespread local opposition, tolerance for delays, and competition for power. However, before these challenges arise, there is a more fundamental problem. Many of the projects that are announced may never get built in the first place. With billions of dollars of AI infrastructure investment at stake, it is increasingly important to distinguish between realistic and speculative projects.
In 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 break down data center projects that are likely to get built and those that may never get off the ground.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
Why Brent thinks the data center pipeline is significantly bulging, and why only a small percentage of proposed projects actually get built. What will happen to all your AI infrastructure if the bubble bursts, and why data center developers with the wrong tenant could be in serious trouble. Why Brent thinks Democrats should start authorizing reform now, rather than waiting for a more favorable political moment. How energy projects are stuck in a permitting loop, how governments of both parties are contributing to the problem, and what it will take to get them moving again. Why natural gas isn’t always considered a reliable fallback by developers, especially in extreme winter weather. A less obvious alternative to gas would be: It combines battery storage and grid connection to temporarily reduce power during periods of high demand.
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