Big Tech’s Trillion-Dollar Data Center Race Raises Grid Concerns

[mendez]

OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic have collectively announced over $2 trillion in long-term data center commitments — with OpenAI alone targeting $1.4T.
The massive build-out is expected to drive half of all new electricity demand in the U.S., with China and Europe making up most of the remainder.
As more facilities move near major cities, experts warn of challenges around grid connections, transmission infrastructure, and seasonal power shortages.
With pressures mounting, companies like Redwood Materials are exploring microgrid solutions powered by repurposed EV batteries — a model that could redefine how energy-hungry AI infrastructure is deployed.

[alex10]

Massive power demand from AI centers could stress national grids.

[Abdul Khan]

Sustainable energy planning is now mandatory, not optional.