Data Center REITs and AI-driven Demand Amid Power Constraints
Nareit
· April 24, 2025
· ✓ verified
The article discusses the robust demand in the U.S. data center sector driven mainly by AI and hyperscaler technology companies.
- Data center REITs benefit from unprecedented growth fueled by AI, cloud computing, 5G, and digital services, with hyperscalers driving record expansion.
- Power constraints present a key challenge, including securing long-term power access and transmission, with exploration of alternative power sources like gas plants and mothballed nuclear power plants.
- Liquid cooling technologies are becoming increasingly necessary to manage higher power densities in AI training and inferencing workloads.
- Major markets include Northern Virginia, Atlanta, Phoenix, Columbus (Ohio), West Texas, and Reno (Nevada), with international revenue significant, especially in Asia.
- The Stargate Project involves a $500 billion investment to develop digital infrastructure; tariffs might affect construction cost and supply chains.
The article highlights opportunities and challenges ahead for REITs in the data center industry amid evolving AI demands and power supply issues, suggesting strategic expansion and financing approaches.