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All articles
AI
Data Centers
March 20, 2025

The AI Gold Rush: How Surging Demand is Reshaping Data Center Construction

All articles
AI
Data Centers
March 20, 2025

The AI Gold Rush: How Surging Demand is Reshaping Data Center Construction

Welcome to the first edition of Foresight FastTrack, where I share insights on the future of construction, AI-driven project management, and the innovations shaping large-scale infrastructure development. This newsletter will highlight thought leadership, industry trends, and the latest from Foresight as we help organizations build faster, smarter, and more efficiently.

The race to build data centers has never been more intense. AI is no longer a futuristic ambition—it’s a reality reshaping economies, industries, and infrastructure. From OpenAI’s Stargate Project to Canada’s Wonder Valley initiative, we are witnessing an unprecedented surge in data center investment. But while capital is flowing in, one hard truth remains: building fast is hard.

Billions Are Betting on AI—But Can the Industry Keep Up?

The AI gold rush is real. Companies worldwide are racing to deploy generative AI systems to gain a competitive edge, but the infrastructure to support this transformation is struggling to keep up.

Consider these insights:

  • According to McKinsey's March 2025 Survey, over 75% of organizations use AI in at least one business function. Larger companies with over $500 million in revenue are implementing organizational changes more rapidly to drive AI deployment and governance. Yet, the real challenge isn't developing AI technology—it's building the infrastructure fast enough to support it.1
  • Gartner's projections indicate that by 2027, 40% of AI data centers will face operational constraints due to power availability, driven by the escalating energy demands of AI and generative AI workloads.2
  • BCG estimates that global demand for data center power will grow approximately 16% annually from 2023 to 2028—33% faster than the previous three years—reaching about 130 GW by 2028. The training of foundational AI models like OpenAI's GPT will grow at a compound annual rate of about 30%, while inference workloads will explode at a rate of 122% over the same period.3

But here's the real issue: Even as AI adoption accelerates and capital investment skyrockets, the infrastructure needed to support these advancements is struggling to keep pace. The rapid growth in data center power demand, compounded by supply chain bottlenecks and operational constraints, makes one thing crystal clear—execution is everything. The question isn't just who can invest the most, but who can build and scale the fastest. And that's where Foresight comes in.

Foresight: Your Control Tower for Complex Construction Projects

At Foresight, we recognize the unique challenges posed by these high-stakes, fast-moving projects. That’s why we’ve developed an AI-driven platform that serves as a control tower for data center construction, seamlessly linking the C-suite with project supervisors on the ground.

Foresight doesn’t require a complete overhaul of existing project management systems. Instead, it sits on top of industry-standard tools like Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and even spreadsheets, integrating directly into the workflows teams already use. This ensures instant visibility across complex projects without disrupting established processes.

By combining:

  • Predictive analytics that detect risks early—before they escalate
  • Resource Optimization to allocate labor and materials efficiently
  • Real-Time Risk Management to adapt to disruptions as they arise

Foresight ensures that projects stay on track. The result? Faster, more cost-effective data center construction—without the delays that can turn billion-dollar investments into financial liabilities.

Where AI Infrastructure and Leadership Converge

Industry leaders will tackle one of the biggest challenges in data center construction—scaling AI infrastructure efficiently—at DCD>Connect New York. I’ll join the DCD>Debate: Modular Mirage—Can Urban Constraints Be Overcome? to discuss whether modular solutions can truly work in dense markets like NYC or if urban construction demands a different approach.

If you’re attending, let’s connect. AI-driven project coordination is transforming construction, helping developers and contractors deliver billion-dollar projects faster and with greater precision.

📍 DCD>Connect New York | March 24-25

Celebrating Women in Construction

This Women’s History Month, I also want to recognize the female leaders shaping our industry. One of them is Gwen Feng, Foresight’s Customer Success Manager, who will be speaking at the AI in UK Construction Conference in London. She’ll share insights on how AI is unlocking efficiencies, mitigating risks, and transforming project delivery.

If you're in the area, take the opportunity to meet Gwen in person and hear from one of Foresight’s best on how AI is revolutionizing construction management. Book a meeting today.

📍 AI in UK Construction | London | March 26

Looking Ahead

The need to build at speed and scale has never been greater. AI is reshaping how we execute megaprojects, and those who harness it effectively will set the pace for the industry. I look forward to continuing this conversation and sharing more insights on the future of AI-driven construction.

To stay updated, follow me here on LinkedIn and be sure to subscribe to Foresight FastTrack for expert insights on AI-driven construction.

Let’s build the future—faster.

¹ McKinsey & Company, "The State of AI: How Organizations Are Rewiring to Capture Value".

² Techerati, "40% of AI Data Centres to Face Power Constraints by 2027".

³ BCG, "Breaking Barriers to Data Center Growth”.

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