The technology sector plans to invest $765bn into AI infrastructure during 2026. Spending on these systems is projected to surpass $1tn by 2027.
Data centres are expanding quickly into rural areas to accommodate this growth. Approximately 12,250 data centres currently exist across the globe.
The number of operational sites was around 8,000 in 2021. The United States contains 4,767 data centre sites.
China Telecom operates the world's largest functional data centre in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. This facility covers roughly 1,000,000 square metres.
Colossus 2 will house hundreds of thousands of advanced AI chips manufactured by Nvidia. Elon Musk's company will use 41 methane gas turbines to provide power for the Colossus site.
Global data centres are estimated to use more electricity than the entire country of France. Sixteen US states have introduced legislation to block or temporarily halt the construction of new data facilities.
Donald Trump described a situation as a "sick conspiracy". The US midterm elections are scheduled for 3 November.
