AI data centres cost billions to build

Breaking down the estimated costs of constructing a single AI data
centre in Texas reveals why developers are facing tens of billions
in expenses, according to Bloomberg analysis

DATA CENTRE COST
Based on building and
equipping 1-gigawatt*
facility in Abilene,
Texas

$17.1bn

Computing hardware
Rows of high-density
servers housing
advanced AI
chips and
supporting
infrastructure

$3bn

Power
infrastructure
Transformers,
switchgear
and high-
capacity
substation
to bring grid
power to site

$2.4bn
Construction

$1.7bn
Cooling systems

$1bn+
Network fibre
connections

$361m+
Design and
engineering

$30m-
$180m
Cost of land

Other
$3.4bn

$30bn
Estimated
total expense

Note: Figures may not add up
to total due to estimation

*Enough to power about 750,000 homes

$750bn
Amount that
four tech giants
are expected to spend on capital
projects in 2026 – more than
GDP of Ireland or Belgium

Sources: Bloomberg, X
Picture: Facebook
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