AI data center growth won't be slowed down by angry neighbors: Goldman Sachs

What happened: Goldman Sachs strategist Laura Cyr said US data center growth through 2027 remains largely unchanged despite rising political and community opposition, including Governor Abbott's directive to halt new Texas data center permits pending ERCOT and TWDB audits. Key numbers: Year-end 2026 US data center Why it matters: Cyr made only modest forecast tweaks against the tense political backdrop, suggesting opposition has not derailed the build-out. BofA data points to off-site water use, grid delivery strain, and metals demand as pressures the growth outlook does not fully capture.

Goldman Sachs strategist Laura Cyr said US data center growth through 2027 remains largely unchanged despite rising political and community opposition, including Governor Abbott's directive to halt new Texas data center permits pending ERCOT and TWDB audits.

Cyr made only modest forecast tweaks against the tense political backdrop, suggesting opposition has not derailed the build-out. BofA data points to off-site water use, grid delivery strain, and metals demand as pressures the growth outlook does not fully capture.