Satellite Data Suggests 40% of U.S. AI Data Centers Delayed

Geospatial analytics and satellite imagery from SynMax indicate that approximately 40% of AI data center projects in the United States may miss their 2026 completion dates by more than three months. The analysis, cross-referenced with IIR Energy data, highlights significant delays in foundation work and land clearing. Specific sites under scrutiny include a 1.4-GW campus in Shackelford County and a 1.2-GW project in Milam County, Texas.

OpenAI, Oracle, and SB Energy have denied these reports, asserting that construction remains on schedule. However, geospatial data and reports from construction executives contradict these company statements. The delays are attributed to chronic shortages of specialized labor, including pipe fitters and electricians, as well as equipment bottlenecks caused by tariffs on Chinese transformers.

Further complicating the timeline is the struggle of utility companies to expand power infrastructure quickly enough to meet the massive energy requirements of these sites. Major technology firms including Microsoft are also affected by these systemic setbacks across the broader U.S. development landscape.