US Data Centers: Local Ordinances Proliferate, Anthropic Plans Texas Facility
Local ordinances restricting data center construction are rapidly proliferating across the US, with over 530 new statutes enacted this year, leading to project cancellations. Concurrently, Anthropic is reportedly in advanced talks to secure $15 billion for a new data center and power-generating complex in Hubbard, Texas, backed by Google and a consortium of banks led by Morgan Stanley. The FCC's ban on imported inverters is expected to have minimal impact on the US solar panel buildout, which can connect to data centers and the grid.
Local ordinances limiting or barring new data center construction are rapidly increasing across the United States, with more than 530 such statutes now in effect, most of which were enacted this year. These restrictions are reportedly causing a wave of project cancellations, signaling growing local opposition and regulatory challenges for the industry.
Meanwhile, AI firm Anthropic is reportedly in advanced discussions with banks to secure $15 billion in debt financing. The capital is earmarked for a massive new data center and an accompanying 1.6-gigawatt natural gas power plant in Hubbard, Texas. The deal, which would be led by Morgan Stanley, includes guarantees from Google for billions of dollars related to Anthropic's lease and electricity payment obligations.
Separately, the Federal Communications Commission's ban on imported inverters, essential devices for integrating solar panels into data centers and the electricity grid, is not expected to significantly hinder the growth of solar panel installations in the U.S. According to BloombergNEF, previously approved inverter models can still be imported, ensuring most planned projects will proceed without supply shortages. However, the future approval process for newer inverter technologies remains unclear, posing a potential risk for delayed access to advanced innovations.