Data center boom rivals energy's biggest sectors
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Spending on data centers is surging to levels that rival investments in energy, according to a new report by Norway-based Rystad Energy.
Why it matters: The research firm's findings underscore how the AI boom is reshaping global capital flows.
The big picture: The race to build AI infrastructure is turning data centers into one of the world's largest energy investment categories — with major implications for power demand and emissions.
By the numbers: The U.S. accounted for 42% of the installed capacity of data centers in 2025 — double that of mainland China, the second-place market, Rystad found.
The intrigue: The chart also shows that renewable energy, despite facing criticism from President Trump, continues to tick upward on a global basis.
What we're watching: Rystad sees potential risks ahead for the AI boom.
The bottom line: "The various constraints, supply chain delays and disruptions are not likely to be solved in the next few years, which carries a chance of a further spike in prices."
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