PwC projects $31.6 trillion global data center spending by 2050

September 3, 2026 at 06:24 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Global data center spending will reach $31.6 trillion by 2050, driven by AI demand, PwC projects. Annual spending will rise from $800 billion in 2026 to $1.8 trillion by 2050. The US will account for nearly half of total spending at $15.1 trillion.

Key Facts

PwC projects global data center spending will reach $31.6 trillion by 2050.
Annual data center spending will rise from $800 billion in 2026 to $1.1 trillion by 2030 and $1.8 trillion by 2050.
The US will account for $15.1 trillion of the projected spending, Asia-Pacific $8.2 trillion, and Europe $5.6 trillion.
At least 75 data center projects worth $130 billion were blocked or delayed in the first quarter of 2026 due to local opposition, according to Data Center Watch.
If AI adoption outpaces PwC's base case, global data center spending could reach $50 trillion by 2050.

Spending Projections

PwC's Global Data Center Outlook forecasts $31.6 trillion in cumulative data center spending through 2050. The investment boom in AI is unprecedented and likely to surpass spending on railroads, the internet, and electrification, according to PwC. Annual spending will climb from $800 billion in 2026 to $1.1 trillion by 2030 and $1.8 trillion by 2050. Most spending will go to equipment such as Nvidia AI chips, rather than land or construction.

Regional Breakdown

The United States will receive $15.1 trillion, nearly half of all projected data center spending. Asia-Pacific spending is projected at $8.2 trillion, Europe at $5.6 trillion, the Middle East at $1.1 trillion, and Africa at $255 billion. Technology giants including Microsoft and Amazon are rapidly building new data centers worldwide.

Opposition and Delays

Opponents of data center construction cite environmental impact, resource consumption, and labor market effects. Data Center Watch reported at least 75 projects worth $130 billion were blocked or delayed in the first quarter of 2026 due to local opposition. Such opposition could slow the expansion of AI infrastructure, PwC noted.