JLL reports record North America data center demand

JLL has released its North America Data Center Report – Midyear 2026, saying North America data center demand hit a record 25 GW of absorption in H1 2026.

• The report says 25 GW of absorption was recorded in six months, with 66 GW under construction, 95% pre-committed, and vacancy held at 1% for the third straight year.
• JLL says capital markets could drive more than $700 billion in permanent debt originations over the next 30 months, while AI-related bond issuance reached $250 billion in H1 2026 and CMBS/ABS data center volume totaled $17 billion.
• The report also says Texas leads with 26 GW of capacity, Virginia has 13 GW, and frontier markets account for 77% of capacity under development; it highlights community concerns over electricity, water, and noise impacts.