PwC projects $31.6 trillion global data center spending through 2050
PwC's Global Data Centre Outlook, modeled by Oxford Economics, projects $31.6 trillion in cumulative global data center spending through 2050 under a central scenario, and an accelerated AI adoption case that could lift spending to $50 trillion. Annual capital expenditure is forecast to climb from roughly $800 billion this year to about $1.8 trillion by mid-century, with ICT equipment rising to 93% of investment by 2050. The United States would receive about $15.1 trillion, Asia Pacific $8.2 trillion, and Europe $5.6 trillion. Power availability, export controls, digital sovereignty, and local opposition are key constraints.
Global data center investment to total $31.6 trillion through 2050
Context
PwC released a global data centre outlook modeled by Oxford Economics. The report links rising AI demand to much higher long-term investment. Next, governments and companies may need to expand power, chip supply, and permit frameworks.
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