Goldman Sachs’ recent analysis by Frank Long, 1,000 homes of power in a filing cabinet - rising power density disrupts AI infrastructure makes one thing clear: the future of AI isn’t just about smarter models — it’s about bigger, bolder infrastructure. The compute demands behind next-generation AI systems are pushing data centers into entirely new territory. These are no longer quiet tech hubs, they’re fast becoming industrial-scale facilities with power and cooling requirements that rival manufacturing plants.
From where I sit, this shift feels familiar. We're seeing the AI revolution collide with the kinds of challenges we’ve long faced in the energy and industrial sectors: securing reliable power, navigating land use issues, working across borders, and managing regulatory and geopolitical complexity.
For clients and investors, the stakes are growing:
- Power needs are skyrocketing, driving new demand for energy procurement strategies and grid innovation
- Project timelines must account for bespoke engineering and construction solutions, often across multiple jurisdictions
- Export controls and evolving tech regulations are adding complexity to cross-border deals and supply chains
This isn’t just about tech companies building faster servers, it’s about strategic, capital-intensive, global projects that will underpin the next decade of AI leadership. And 2025 is proving to be a decisive year. The decisions being made now, about location, energy, design, and partnerships, could shape market positioning for years to come.
For companies placing serious bets on AI, the questions are shifting. It’s no longer just “what do we build?” but increasingly “where, how, and at what cost?” These are infrastructure questions as much as they are technology ones — and they’re shaping the competitive landscape now, not later.
