
We look at some of the latest data center developments announced over the past month.
Data center construction has become the largest segment of commercial building construction in North America, with spending reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $51 billion. Demand for data centers remains strong as companies expand artificial intelligence infrastructure, leading to numerous new projects announced across multiple regions. Several policy developments are shaping the industry, including new power connection rules from federal regulators, state-level electricity taxes, and community opposition to some proposed facilities. The rapid growth of data center development is creating challenges around power availability, land use, and community sentiment, which have emerged as significant constraints alongside traditional factors like transmission capacity and supply chains.

Google reported that its annual electricity consumption rose by 37 percent in 2025—the largest increase in the company’s history as Silicon Valley’s AI data center buildout continues. But the tech giant says it kept operational carbon emissions down by continuing to purchase massive amounts of clean energy. The company’s latest sustainability report acknowledges that Google’s total electricity usage has increased by more than 250 percent since 2019, which the company attributed to ongoing growth

The utility’s planned $1.75 billion investment in Joulent illustrates how dedicated power infrastructure is becoming central to AI data center growth.

Planning documents from Georgia Power, Duke Energy, and Dominion Energy reveal how utilities filter AI demand, test scenarios, and plan investments.
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