Meta and Goldman Sachs Warn U.S. Midterms Heighten Headwinds, Putting Roughly 45% of Planned Data Center Capacity at Risk

Meta executives and Goldman Sachs analysis indicate that mounting local opposition and moratoria following the U.S. midterms could threaten approximately 45% of planned data center expansion capacity across the country. Goldman Sachs points out that risks include freezes on new approvals, tightened water and power regulations, and curtailed tax incentives, estimating that only 50% to 60% of planned capacity will come online on schedule, even as power demand is projected to jump from 31 GW in 2025 to 66 GW by 2027.