Many announced data center projects may never be built, despite AI spending boom

The data center boom is facing significant real-world obstacles, including local opposition, permitting delays, and competition for electricity. A more fundamental issue is that many announced projects may never get built at all. Billions of dollars are being poured into AI infrastructure, yet a considerable share of these proposals may not move beyond the announcement stage. The article examines why these projects might stall before construction even begins. The situation highlights a gap between headline investment figures and what will actually be delivered.