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Why Major Contractors Are Betting on the Data Center and AI Boom

Update Data Center Construction Set to Surge in 2026 Amid AI Boom The world of construction is experiencing dynamic shifts as major general contractors express optimism about the ongoing data center and artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Earnings reports from a variety of publicly traded firms signal consistent growth and enthusiasm for future projects, particularly in data center construction. Record Growth Forecast in Data Center Sector Data centers are forecasted to see nearly 100 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity added between 2026 and 2030, effectively doubling the industry's current output. A report from JLL suggests that the global data center market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14%. This growth is largely driven by hyperscale cloud demands and AI, which is projected to account for half of all workloads by 2030. Major Contractors Taking Notice During their latest earnings calls, major contractors like Granite, Jacobs, and AECOM reported substantial gains in revenue attributed to data centers. For instance, Granite's data center work represents nearly 10% of its current projects. Similarly, Jacobs, based in Dallas, reported a staggering 100% increase in data center business. These numbers underline a strategic pivot towards capitalizing on the growing intersection of construction and technology. The Challenge of Skilled Labor and Rising Costs Despite the optimism, a looming challenge persists: a significant shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry. Experts predict that as data centers ramp up operations, the demand for qualified workers will outpace supply, especially as peak staffing needs for large projects could reach upwards of 5,000 workers. Alongside this labor shortage, the costs for essential materials and skilled labor continue to rise, contributing to an estimated overall cost increase of 6-7%, emphasizing the need for effective cost management strategies within firms. Innovations in Construction Techniques To address these labor shortages and rising costs, contractors are increasingly adopting innovative construction methods. This includes harnessing AI for project management efficiencies and exploring modular construction techniques that allow for faster assembly and reduced on-site labor requirements. The shift to more technologically-driven processes is likely to define efficiency standards in data center construction going forward. Strengthening Federal Involvement Government contracts represent an important aspect of funding for many construction firms, accounting for about 15% of revenue for companies like Granite. This federal support serves as a crucial backstop for many projects, especially in the competitive landscape of data centers. As government initiatives continue to fund infrastructure projects, the construction industry will remain buoyed by steady demand conditions. Community Engagement: A New Priority As new projects commence, community engagement has become a critical focus area for contractors. Misunderstandings about data centers’ roles in enabling everyday digital services can lead to local pushback. Construction companies are now seeking to foster relationships with local stakeholders early in the project lifecycle to mitigate opposition and streamline approvals amidst increasing scrutiny over permitting processes. In Summary: A Bright Future Awaits The intersection of AI, data centers, and construction heralds a transformative era for major contractors. While challenges, including skilled labor shortages and rising costs, loom ominously, the prevailing sentiment among industry leaders is one of resilience and innovation. As they steer through uncertainties and pivot towards technological advancements, the construction sector is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the infrastructure that supports our increasingly digital world. Stay informed about the exciting developments in the data center construction landscape as we continue to track trends that impact both the economy and technology fields.