Surge in Data Center Demand Causes 66% Spike in Natural Gas Power Plant Expenses

2026-04-27 · TechCrunch AI · Original

The costs associated with natural gas power plants have seen a dramatic increase, nearly doubling over the past two years. This escalation is largely driven by the soaring electricity requirements of data centers, which have become integral to modern technology. Not only are expenses rising, but the construction timeline for these facilities has also lengthened, taking an average of 23% more time to complete. As companies scramble to meet the energy needs of digital infrastructure, the implications of these rising costs and extended build times may have significant effects on energy markets and overall project planning in the future.