By Tom Perkins
Publication Date: 2026-02-24 15:00:00
Cancellations and delays at new U.S. data centers have increased as the artificial intelligence boom runs into a range of problems, including supply chain problems, energy shortages and tariff-related restrictions.
Grassroots local opposition has also scuppered some plans, and some investors have become wary of data centers out of fear of an AI bubble.
Dozens of data center plans were scrapped or delayed in December or January, according to reports from investment research firm MacroEdge and climate news portal Heatmap. MacroEdge’s research found there were 26 cancellations through January – compared to one in October.
The complex set of issues raises questions about the U.S.’s ability to quickly advance the data center boom. Because manufacturing increases have boosted U.S. growth over the past 18 months, major delays could have broader economic impacts, wrote Don Johnson, chief economist at MacroEdge.
“The (Trump) administration will strive to…
