The number of data centers in North Carolina could more than quintuple in future years if not for moratoriums and other obstacles in the way of demand.
Why it matters: The enormous pipeline underscores why local governments are temporarily halting new building applications, so leaders can get a grasp on how to regulate data centers before more pop up at record speed.
By the numbers: At least 54 buildings with a combined 4,258 megawatts of capacity were planned as of September in North Carolina, according to records analyzed by market intelligence company Cleanview.
- Right now, 13 buildings are operating across the state.
Yes, but: Cleanview’s list includes American Tower’s proposed center in east Charlotte, a rezoning that is now paused due to the moratorium.
- It’s unlikely the more than 3,000 data centers on the national list will come to fruition. About 450 don’t have a completion date.
Zoom out: On average, the next generation of data centers in the U.S. is on track to consume 2.5 times more power than those opening in 2026…