Data center economics amid AI-driven uncertainty

Andrew Donoghue (Vertiv) publishes analysis summarizing Uptime Institute’s 2025 Global Data Center Survey and broader industry trends, highlighting cost, capacity and power uncertainties amid rising AI-driven investment.

• Main findings: Uptime Institute survey of 600+ data center operators lists cost as the top concern; concerns about forecasting future data center capacity increased by more than 9% versus prior years. The article cites projected industry spending rising from $333bn (2024) to ~$1 trillion (2030) with >80% directed to AI-related infrastructure; mean rack density increased to 7.6 kW/rack (2025) from 6.8 kW (2024).
• Power and solutions: Uptime flags power availability and the risk operators may lose allocated capacity if not used. Vertiv references a collaboration with Oklo Inc to advance on-site power and cooling (including advanced nuclear options) for hyperscale and colocation operators — the article notes the agreement exists but provides no implementation timeline. Key individuals quoted: Andy Lawrence, Jacqueline Davis, Gio Albertazzi.