AI Selloff Exposes Data Center Boom Risks
AIB Data Centers CFO Jolienne Halisky says the company remains on track to develop its first Texas data center despite an AI market selloff that could make financing slower and more expensive. The project has secured power and interconnection, with Nebius serving as its anchor tenant, while smaller 45- to 90-megawatt facilities may face less scrutiny from potential Texas data center moratoriums.
Jolienne Halisky, CFO of AIB Data Centers, said the company expects the recent selloff in artificial intelligence stocks to temporarily affect data center financing. She said lenders may take longer to approve projects, demand additional protections and charge more, adding to existing constraints involving power, chips and permits.
AIB recently acquired a Texas site for its first data center and is developing what Halisky called a right-sized facility in the 45- to 90-megawatt range. She said the project is fully on track, with design, financing, power and interconnection work progressing, despite concerns about possible data center moratoriums in parts of Texas and the ERCOT region.
Nebius is the project's anchor tenant. Halisky said AIB has held several discussions with the company and remains confident in the tenant's financial position and the strength of its lease. She also said a potential Anthropic IPO could improve transparency across the AI industry and help investors better assess the sector.