Sightline Climate Reports Massive Data Center Construction Delays

Sightline Climate reports that between 30 and 50 percent of data centers slated to open in 2026 will be delayed until at least 2027 or may never be built. The energy research firm identifies these delays as the clearest public signal that a development project has failed.

Developers originally planned to complete 140 projects this year, which would have added 16 gigawatts of new energy demand. The current rate of failure marks an increase from the 26 percent of planned projects that remained incomplete last year.

The firm attributes the disruption to three primary drivers: power constraints, shortages of grid equipment, and opposition from local communities.