Data Center Boom Triggers Power Plant Cost Crisis

The massive expansion of AI-driven data centers is reshaping global energy infrastructure: natural gas power plant costs have surged 66% in two years, while gas turbine shortages create delivery delays extending into the early 2030s. This energy crunch is pushing tech giants like Microsoft and Google to rethink strategies, exploring renewable energy combined with advanced battery storage as cost-effective alternatives. The outcome will determine whether AI growth depends on fossil fuel expansion or catalyzes a transition to clean energy.