Surge in Data Center Needs Pushes Natural Gas Power Plant Costs Up by 66%

2026-04-27 · TechCrunch AI · Original

The escalating demand for electricity from data centers has resulted in a staggering 66% increase in the costs associated with building natural gas power plants. Over the past two years, these expenses have nearly doubled, reflecting the growing need for reliable energy sources to support the booming tech industry. Additionally, the timeline for constructing these power plants has extended by an average of 23%, revealing the challenges faced by developers amidst heightened demand. As the digital landscape continues to expand, the pressure on energy infrastructure is likely to intensify, prompting a reevaluation of how power generation can keep pace with modern technological requirements.