Energy News
Data center energy news, power procurement, and grid infrastructure
MediaTek and Microsoft Research Develop MicroLED-Based Active Optical Cable Technology for Data Centers
MediaTek and Microsoft Research have jointly developed an Active Optical Cable technology using MicroLED light sources that could deliver up to 50% power savings compared to conventional VCSEL-based alternatives. The technology aims to solve critical trade-offs between reach, power efficiency, and reliability in data center transmissions.
Hyperscalers Deploy $710 Billion for AI Infrastructure as Gigawatt-Scale Campuses Transform Global Data Center Landscape
Major cloud providers are accelerating massive data center expansions with $710 billion in planned capital expenditures for 2026, driving development of 10+ gigawatt-scale megacampuses across North America alone [1][2]. Meta's $10 billion Indiana project and Oracle's operational 1.2 GW Stargate facility exemplify the unprecedented scale of AI-driven infrastructure investments [2][3].
US Power Grid Expansion Accelerates to Record 86 GW Amid Global Energy Crisis and Policy Shifts
The United States is set to add a record 86 GW of electric generating capacity in 2026, up from 53 GW in 2025, as global energy disruptions and policy changes drive unprecedented infrastructure investment [2]. Rising oil prices above $80/bbl and Middle East tensions are pushing electricity generation toward coal, nuclear, and backup systems while states grapple with rate pressures [1][3].
Nscale Acquires American Intelligence & Power as AI Infrastructure Spending Approaches $700 Billion in 2026
Nscale announced its acquisition of American Intelligence & Power to secure critical site permits and power agreements for AI data center expansion [1]. The deal comes as hyperscalers prepare to invest $700 billion in AI infrastructure in 2026, marking a significant acceleration in data center development [1][2][3].
Hyperscalers Announce Record $300B+ in Data Center Investments as AI Demand Drives Gigawatt-Scale Expansions
Major cloud providers are committing over $300 billion to data center construction in 2026, with Meta, Google, Microsoft and others breaking ground on gigawatt-scale facilities across North America and internationally. The unprecedented expansion, driven by AI workload demands, includes 35 GW under construction in North America alone with 92% pre-leased capacity [1].
Tech Giants Sign Historic 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' at White House, Committing to Fund Data Center Power Infrastructure
Major hyperscalers including Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI, and Amazon signed a White House-brokered pledge on March 4, 2026, committing to build and fund new power generation for their data centers without passing costs to residential ratepayers [1][2][3]. The agreement requires companies to negotiate separate rate structures with utilities and pay for infrastructure regardless of usage, addressing growing concerns about AI-driven energy demands [1][2][4].
Microsoft and Meta Lead March 2026 Data Center Expansion with Combined $23B in New Projects
Microsoft secured approvals for 15 data centers in Wisconsin valued at over $13 billion and expanded North Carolina capacity to 4.5 GW [1][2], while Meta broke ground on a $10 billion, 1 GW campus in Indiana [1]. The announcements highlight continued hyperscale investment despite industry-wide construction capacity declining 5.5% from 2024 [4].
Nvidia Leads $2 Billion AI Infrastructure Push as Hyperscalers Plan $700 Billion Capex Surge
Nvidia invested $2 billion in AI cloud firm Nebius and an additional $2 billion in photonic companies as hyperscalers prepare to spend approximately $700 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026. The investments come amid surging demand for AI computing resources and the unexpected cancellation of Oracle and OpenAI's Texas Stargate expansion project.
Hyperscalers Launch Gigawatt-Scale AI Data Center Expansions Amid Power Grid Challenges
Major cloud providers announced over $50 billion in new data center investments in early March 2026, focusing on gigawatt-scale AI campuses. Meta broke ground on a $10 billion, 1 GW facility in Indiana while Google pledged 7,800 MW of new generation capacity in Texas alongside grid upgrade commitments.