Goldman Sachs has stated that despite growing opposition to data centers in the US, their rapid expansion is expected to continue in the near term. According to a report by CNN, the company's growth forecasts until 2027 remain largely unchanged. The increasing opposition is driven by concerns over rising electricity demand, utility costs, and local impacts. Data centers provide the computing power needed to train and operate artificial intelligence models.
Goldman Sachs has revised its predictions for the total capacity of US data centers by the end of 2026 and 2027. The company raised its 2026 forecast by 5 gigawatts to 64 gigawatts and lowered its 2027 forecast by 5 gigawatts to 90 gigawatts, according to a recent memo. The growth of data centers is driven by increasing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other digital services.
The development of data centers has faced growing opposition in several American communities. Local residents have expressed concerns over the potential environmental and social impacts of these facilities. Despite this, Goldman Sachs believes that the growth of data centers will continue, driven by strong demand for digital services. The company's analysts point to the increasing need for data storage and processing power.
According to Goldman Sachs, the demand for electricity from US data centers is expected to rise significantly. The company predicts a 38% increase in electricity demand from data centers in 2026, equivalent to 12 gigawatts, and another 38% increase in 2027, equivalent to 17 gigawatts. This growth will require significant investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure.
A recent survey conducted by Reuters/Ipsos found that only a third of Americans support the current pace of data center construction in the US. The survey highlights the growing opposition to data centers and the need for companies to engage with local communities and address their concerns. Goldman Sachs acknowledges the challenges facing data center developers but remains optimistic about the sector's growth prospects.
The growth of data centers has significant implications for the US economy and infrastructure. The increasing demand for digital services is driving investments in data center construction, power generation, and transmission infrastructure. Goldman Sachs expects the sector to continue growing, driven by strong demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other digital services.
In conclusion, Goldman Sachs expects the US data center market to continue growing despite rising opposition. The company's growth forecasts until 2027 remain largely unchanged, driven by strong demand for digital services. The growth of data centers will require significant investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure, as well as engagement with local communities to address their concerns.
Key points
- Goldman Sachs expects US data center growth to remain strong despite opposition
- US data center electricity demand to rise by 38% in 2026 and 2027
- Only a third of Americans support current pace of data center construction
