MCJ predictions for 2026: energy, AI and industry trends

MCJ published a set of predictions for 2026 covering energy, AI, data centers, nuclear fission, grid policy, and geoengineering.

• Main announcement (predictions): MCJ contributors (Cody, David, Yin, Thai, Casey) forecast automation and autonomy moving from pilots into default infrastructure; consolidation in AI and data center markets via acquisitions; a migration of founders and commercialization activity to the American Southwest (Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas); continued fission buildout supported by DOE underwriting and hyperscaler offtake with “shovels in the ground” expected in 2026; and geoengineering becoming an investible category as philanthropic and early equity flows increase.
• Background and concrete details: The piece cites ERCOT-inspired storage frameworks (e.g., RTC+B) and broader ISO adoption starting in 2026 to enable real-time co-optimization and unified market participation for storage; predicts vertical integration in the AI/data center sector where buyers target combinations of land, power generation, and software; notes DOE financing for nuclear restarts since 2024 and anticipates novel reactors demonstrating criticality in 2026. Contact for submissions or feedback: info@mcj.vc.