Brad Gerstner, founder of Altimeter Capital, warned that 10 gigawatts (GW) to 15 GW of U.S. data center capacity slated for 2027 could be commissioned later than planned, raising questions about the pace of AI infrastructure growth.
The estimate came during a post-election investor discussion that treated AI oversight and electricity access as distinct issues. Gerstner said Democrats who won elections wanted more influence over AI oversight but were not seeking to stop development.
Chamath Palihapitiya, the discussion's host, said power availability could limit new data center projects, citing Texas as a state where restrictions might affect AI firms. He described AI investment as important to U.S. economic growth.
Jason Calacanis called for technology firms to open talks with Democrats on AI policy after the sector backed Trump. He said recurring warnings from tech leaders about catastrophic AI risks and widespread job losses had raised public anxiety.
Gerstner said he remains confident in companies developing AI models. Altimeter, already an Anthropic investor, hopes to be among the largest buyers if the AI company holds an initial public offering.
