The data center energy threat is way overblown

[rangerrebew]

The data center energy threat is way overblown
By
David Wojick
|
April 17th, 2026
 
False fears of a flood of data centers is warping the electric power policy debate. Here are three little numbers that tell the story. Well, actually, it is two little real numbers and one huge fantasy number (which is the problem).

My first source is “North America Data Center Trends H2 2025” by the real estate tracker CBRE.

This quote provides the two little numbers, which are MW of data centers under construction:

“The total amount of new capacity under construction in primary markets declined for the first time since 2020. There were 5,994.4 MW under construction at the end of 2025, down from 6,350.1 MW in 2024. Many planned projects remain delayed due to ongoing permitting, zoning, and power procurement hurdles, underscoring the complexities of scaling infrastructure.”

So, there is only about 6,000 MW of new data centers in the construction pipeline for the entire U.S. That is a tiny number when it comes to the national grid. PJM alone peaks around 150,000 MW, Texas over 80,000, and so on. Combined American peak is over 750,000 MW.

https://www.cfact.org/2026/04/17/the-data-center-energy-threat-is-way-overblown/

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

TY for this.

[Timber Rattler]

It's a false premise though.  The threat is real, and plans, zoning variation requests, and hot arguments are breaking out all over the country, including my little rural community, about the data centers.  Waiting until they are already built before complaining will be too late.