Artificial Intelligence Delayed
There are now a variety of factors potentially standing in the way of the full speed ahead build out for AI data centers. We would think that the average American really does not care about AIs roll out speed but the gross national product (GNP) of tomorrow does care and that has effect on all of us. Soon we will need the jobs created from a new world order of AI as we see federal, state and government contractual jobs being eliminated weekly. “Been There. Do This” believes whole heartedly that jobs will be abundant in a post Inference AI state.
The rapid expansion of data centers in the United States presents significant challenges regarding labor, tariffs, geopolitical, energy / power, plant site connectivity and rare mineral resources.
Construction Labor and Skilled Workforce
Building and maintaining data centers requires a highly skilled workforce, including electricians, engineers, technicians, and construction workers. There are concerns about potential labor shortages in these specialized fields as the demand for data center construction continues to surge. The sheer volume of data center projects puts strain on the overall construction labor pool.
Construction Materials & Tariffs
Canada is a major supplier of softwood lumber to the USA. Mexico is a source of gypsum which is used in drywall boards. Large quantities of steel, concrete, and other construction materials are needed. Fluctuations in material prices and potential supply chain disruptions can impact construction timelines and costs. Data centers require massive amounts of electrical components, including copper wiring, and various other metals. The consistent and timely supply of these materials is also a concern.
Minerals and Materials
Data centers rely on various critical minerals for components like semiconductors, wiring, and cooling systems. Supply chain vulnerabilities and increasing global demand for these minerals such as silicon, copper, Neodymium (for data storage drives) pose potential slow down risks. Other critical minerals include…
