The U.S. data centre pipeline surged by 54 GW in the second quarter of 2026, up 29% year over year, pushing disclosed planned capacity above 430 GW. Nearly 80 GW was under construction, compared with 44 GW at the end of the first quarter.

About 59% of the pipeline is in active development, while utility commitments backed by signed electricity-service or construction agreements reached 201 GW—equivalent to 26% of projected U.S. peak electricity demand in 2026.

The five largest developers account for about a quarter of planned and actively developing capacity, and disclosed planned capital expenditure now exceeds US$2.3 trillion. Wood Mackenzie also revised its estimate of first-quarter pipeline additions from 36 GW to 52 GW after late project disclosures were captured.

PJM and ERCOT together account for nearly half of capacity under development. PJM added about 20 GW of projects entering active development in the first half of 2026, while more than 40% of ERCOT’s developing capacity was already under construction.

This rapid growth is intensifying pressure on power supplies and grids, especially in PJM, where Wood Mackenzie sees a potential supply shortfall through 2036 against high-confidence load commitments. Meeting demand will require new generation, grid upgrades, storage and long-term power contracts.

The demand could create a major opportunity for solar and wind developers, particularly when paired with storage and other resources that provide reliable, around-the-clock power. Whether renewables can meet the need will depend on project timing, grid access and storage availability.

At the same time, local resistance is growing: more than 400 moratoriums were introduced across 42 states from January 2026, affecting 18% of tracked sites and putting over 100 GW of planned capacity under scrutiny. About 92% focus on land-use or zoning approvals, typically for six to 12 months, rather than imposing outright bans.

Texas escalated its scrutiny in September 2026 by pausing new data centre permits and auditing existing projects, putting more than 60 GW of planned capacity under review. Wood Mackenzie said such moratoriums largely appear intended to give lawmakers time to develop stronger frameworks.